Getting around Chinese cities is cheap and easy once your phone can pay. Most metro systems and buses accept QR codes from Alipay or WeChat, and Didi — China's ride-hailing app — runs inside Alipay with an English interface.
Metro and buses
- In Alipay, search "transport" or the city's metro to open its ride code; scan it at the gate.
- Some cities may ask you to enable the code first; do it on Wi-Fi before your first ride.
- Ticket machines still sell single tickets — many accept QR payment, some take cash.
Didi and taxis
- Open Didi inside Alipay, enter your destination (English or pinyin works; copying the Chinese name is safest), and pay through the app automatically.
- Regular taxis accept QR payment (scan the driver's code) and cash.
- Show your destination in Chinese characters to avoid confusion.
High-speed trains
Train tickets are bought online with your passport; payment through Alipay or WeChat Pay with a linked card generally works. See our train-ticket guide for the booking steps.