Metro, Bus & City Transit QR Codes
Use subway and bus systems without Chinese UI panic: QR codes, city switching, ticket machines, and manual help.
Open the Transport mini-program in Alipay, switch to your current city, and scan the dynamic QR code at subway turnstiles upon both entry and exit.
Pre-Flight Checklist
- ✓ Use Alipay transport QR or city metro app where available
- ✓ Switch the city inside the transport mini-program before scanning
- ✓ Keep cash or payment app ready for ticket machines as backup
- ✓ Follow English station signage and line color instead of relying only on map search
Step-by-Step Execution Plan
Open Transport QR
In Alipay, search for transport / metro card and select the current city before entering the gate.
Scan at Gate
Hold the QR code steady at the reader. If it fails, step aside and refresh the code instead of blocking the gate.
Use Ticket Machine Backup
If city QR activation fails, buy a single journey ticket from the machine or ask staff for assistance.
Exit With the Same Method
Use the same QR code or ticket to exit. Some systems need both entry and exit scans to calculate fare.
Common First-Time Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Using the wrong city transport QR after traveling between cities.
- ⚠️ Throwing away a single-journey ticket before exiting.
- ⚠️ Trying to force a failed QR repeatedly instead of asking gate staff.
Backup Plan if Something Fails
- ↳ If QR activation is delayed, purchase single-journey RFID transit tokens at station automated machines.
- ↳ Visit the staffed Customer Service Center (服务中心) near station turnstiles for manual scan overrides.
- ↳ Use taxi or ride-hailing cards if subway service has concluded for the night.
Public Transit Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open city metro QR codes in Alipay?
Open Alipay, search for "Transport" (出行), select your current city (e.g., Shanghai, Beijing), agree to terms, and scan the QR at the subway turnstile.
Can two people share one metro QR code on one phone?
No. Every individual passenger must scan a separate QR code or single ticket upon both entering and exiting the station to calculate distance fares.
What if the turnstile QR scan fails at the exit gate?
Step out of the flow of traffic and visit the attended Customer Service Center (客服中心 / 服务台) right beside the gates for manual resolution.
Official Sources & Verified Rules
Travel rules and payment integrations are checked against official regulations. Re-verify the primary authorities below:
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