Best Metro Apps for China: Navigate Any City's Subway (2025)

China has the world's largest metro network. Shanghai alone has 20+ lines covering 800+ km. Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu—every major city has an extensive subway system that's fast, clean, and incredibly cheap. But navigating these systems without the right apps can feel overwhelming.

The good news: with the right metro apps installed, you'll navigate like a local within hours.

Why You Need a Metro App in China

Unlike many Western subway systems where you can figure things out from posted maps, Chinese metros present unique challenges:

Scale and complexity. Shanghai's metro has over 500 stations across 20+ lines. Beijing has 27 lines. Paper maps become impractical at this scale.

Chinese-only signage in smaller stations. Major tourist areas have English, but many stations—especially outside city centers—only display Chinese characters.

Transfer complexity. Some interchanges require 10+ minutes of walking through underground passages. Apps calculate this; posted maps don't.

First/last train times vary. Lines have different operating hours. Apps tell you if you'll make the last train; guessing does not.

Route optimization. Multiple paths often exist between two stations. Apps find the fastest route considering real-time conditions and transfer times.

MetroMan (All-in-One Solution)

If you download only one metro app, make it MetroMan.

What is MetroMan?

MetroMan (called "Quanguo Ditie" in Chinese) is an all-in-one metro app covering 40+ Chinese cities. It's specifically designed with travelers in mind and works offline.

Key Features

• Covers all major cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xi'an, and 30+ more
• English interface: Actually readable for non-Chinese speakers
• Offline maps: Download city maps before your trip—no data needed underground
• Route planning: Enter start and end stations, get optimal routes
• First/last train info: Know exactly when trains stop running
• Transfer guidance: Step-by-step instructions for complex interchanges
• Station facilities: Find exits, toilets, and accessibility options

How to Use MetroMan

1. Download before arriving in China (available on iOS App Store and Google Play)
2. Open the app and download offline maps for cities you'll visit
3. Select your current city from the top menu
4. Tap any station to set it as start or destination
5. View the suggested route with estimated time and fare

MetroMan Limitations

• Route planning only (no live train tracking)
• Updates can lag when new lines open
• Some very new stations may be missing
• No integration with payment systems

Despite these limitations, MetroMan remains the most practical choice for tourists visiting multiple cities.

City-Specific Metro Apps

For deeper integration—especially QR code payments—city-specific apps excel.

Beijing Subway (Beijing Subway App)

The official Beijing metro app offers:

• Real-time crowding information
• QR code payment (requires Chinese phone number setup)
• Lost and found services
• Accessibility route planning

Download: Search "Beijing Subway" in your app store.

Shanghai Metro (Metro Da Du Hui)

Shanghai's official app includes:

• QR code entry/exit
• Real-time train positions
• Station congestion levels
• Integration with Shanghai public transport card

Download: Search "Metro Da Du Hui" or "Shanghai Metro" in app stores.

Other Major Cities

City	App Name	English Support
Guangzhou	Guangzhou Metro	Partial
Shenzhen	Shenzhen Metro	Partial
Chengdu	Chengdu Metro	Minimal
Hangzhou	Hangzhou Metro	Partial
Xi'an	Xi'an Metro	Minimal

Most city apps require a Chinese phone number for full features. For tourists, MetroMan often proves more practical.

Alipay and WeChat Pay Metro QR Codes

Here's where things get convenient: both Alipay and WeChat can generate QR codes for metro entry in most Chinese cities.

How It Works

1. Open Alipay or WeChat
2. Navigate to Transport/Transit section
3. Select "Metro" or "Subway"
4. Choose your city
5. Generate QR code
6. Scan at turnstile entry and exit

The fare is automatically calculated and charged to your linked payment method.

Setting Up Alipay for Metro

1. Open Alipay
2. Tap "Transport" on the home screen
3. Select the city you're in
4. Authorize metro access
5. Your QR code appears—scan to enter

Setting Up WeChat for Metro

1. Open WeChat
2. Go to "Me" → "Services" → "Transport"
3. Select "Metro" and your city
4. Complete verification
5. Generate your QR code

Pros and Cons of QR Codes

Advantages:

• No need to buy tickets
• No fumbling for correct change
• Faster than ticket machines
• Works across multiple cities (with setup)

Disadvantages:

• Requires mobile data to generate codes
• First-time setup can be confusing
• Some gates have slow scanners
• Battery dead = you're stuck

Physical Tickets vs. QR Codes: What to Use When

Use Physical Tickets When:

• You don't have mobile data underground
• Your phone battery is low
• You're traveling with someone who can't set up apps
• You want souvenirs (some cities have collectible tokens)
• The QR code line is longer (rush hour reality)

Use QR Codes When:

• You've already set up Alipay/WeChat
• You're making multiple trips
• You want to avoid ticket machine queues
• You prefer cashless travel
• You're comfortable with the technology

Buying Physical Tickets

Most stations have both:

Ticket machines:

• Usually have English option
• Accept cash (coins and small bills)
• Some accept Alipay/WeChat scan
• Select destination, pay, collect token/card

Service centers:

• Staffed counters near entrances
• Can help with English
• Sell day passes and transit cards
• Handle refunds and lost tickets

Metro App Comparison

Feature	MetroMan	City Apps	Alipay/WeChat
Multi-city	Yes (40+)	No (1 city each)	Yes
English UI	Yes	Partial	Partial
Offline maps	Yes	Some	No
QR payment	No	Yes	Yes
Real-time info	No	Yes	Limited
Route planning	Yes	Yes	Basic
Free	Yes	Yes	Yes
Setup difficulty	Easy	Medium	Medium

Recommended Setup

For most travelers, the ideal combination is:

1. MetroMan for offline maps and route planning in any city
2. Alipay for QR code payments (if you've set up Alipay for payments anyway)
3. City app only if you're staying in one city for an extended period

Offline Functionality

Subway stations often have poor or no mobile signal. Plan accordingly.

What Works Offline

• MetroMan maps and route planning (after downloading)
• Screenshots of your planned route
• Downloaded PDF maps
• Your memory (seriously, study routes beforehand)

What Doesn't Work Offline

• Generating new QR codes (need data)
• Real-time train information
• Google Translate
• Most city-specific app features

Pro Tips for Offline Navigation

1. Screenshot your route before entering the station
2. Download MetroMan maps for all cities you'll visit
3. Save station names in Chinese for asking directions
4. Note exit numbers before going underground
5. Count stations as a backup navigation method

Practical Tips for Using Chinese Metro

Navigating Transfers

Large interchange stations like Shanghai's People's Square or Beijing's Xizhimen can require 10+ minutes to transfer. Apps factor this into timing—trust them.

Follow the signs color-coded by line. Yellow = Line 1, red = Line 2, etc. The colors match the app.

Rush Hour Reality

Avoid 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:30 PM if possible. Trains are packed. Apps showing "crowded" mean sardine-can conditions.

Some stations implement one-way passenger flow during peak times—you may need to use specific entrances or exits.

Security Screening

Every station has airport-style security. Put bags through X-ray, walk through detector. Budget an extra 2-3 minutes, more during rush hour.

Payment Fall-Backs

Always carry some cash as backup. QR codes can fail, apps can crash, phones can die. A 20 RMB note buys multiple single-journey tickets.

Understanding Station Exits

Large stations have many exits (labeled A, B, C, D or numbered). Apps tell you which exit is closest to your destination. The wrong exit can add 10+ minutes of walking above ground.

What to Do If You Get Lost

1. Look for the nearest exit sign and go above ground
2. Open your map app (Baidu Maps works without VPN)
3. Find the nearest metro station entrance
4. Ask staff—show them your destination in Chinese characters
5. Call your hotel and have them guide you

Station staff generally understand basic English or can use translation apps.

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Quick Start Checklist

Before your trip:

• Download MetroMan
• Download offline maps for your cities
• Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay
• Save key station names in Chinese

Upon arrival:

• Test your QR code payment at a station
• Screenshot routes for your first few destinations
• Note your hotel's nearest station and exit

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Need more help navigating China? Check out the Complete China Travel Guide for comprehensive tips on transportation, apps, and daily survival. You can also explore our Essential Apps Directory to find all the tools you need for your trip.

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Last updated: December 2025