Subway/Metro

Every major city has a subway system that will be your main way of navigating the city. 

To find a station: Look for the station signs on the street and other conspicuous places. They have metro images and station names written in Chinese and often English too.

• Write your destination: Have your destination written in English and Chinese so you can ask for directions and help.

Then go to the ticket gates. You can get a ticket from the staff person at the window. It might help to show them the written names. Alternatively, there are usually ticket machines and smart card issuing machines nearby where you could deposit cash. You might want to get a smart card instead.

• Smart cards: Beijing, Hong Kong (Octopus Card), Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other cities have payment cards you can buy for low prices in the subway stations from the ticket windows or machines. No ID number or name is required. Each city has different rules about discounts and where the cards are used. The card itself is refundable. Often the cards can also be used on local city buses.
• Subway maps: Get a little tourist subway map that is often available for free at the station's information counter or at the ticket window.

The ticket machines are quick and easy to use. The screen presents you with a map of the metro lines marked with station names marked usually in both Chinese and English. Touch the station symbol where you want to go to and follow the instructions. After paying the required fare, the machine issues you a ticket in the form of a thin piece of plastic or paper or a plastic token.

If you have difficulty with the machine, or the machine is not working, you can always buy tickets at the ticket window. Simply tell the clerk your destination, how many tickets you need, and pay the fare. You can also write the station names on a piece of paper beforehand to show the clerk.

Pass through the ticket gate: Swipe your ticket or payment card over the scanner or insert your ticket or token into the slot.

• Keep your ticket: When you pass through the ticket entrance, be sure to take your ticket or plastic token that you deposit to exit when you get off the train.

Then go to the correct platform and wait. The train platforms are usually a level or two below. The trains on either side run in opposite directions, so be sure you know which train to get. Ask for help if you are not sure. Ask several people to be extra sure.

• Beware: Pickpockets hang out in subways. They are especially active when people are jammed together. Don’t carry your backpack on your back, but wear it in front of you and keep an eye on it. Keep your valuables safe. Button or zip up your pockets if you can and etc.

Finally, board the train: When the train arrives and the door opens, let the people get off the train first and then board. Be quick. When the train is about to depart, the the buzzer sounds.

Second Step: Riding the Train

Be sure you know where to get off: Listen for the English and Chinese language announcements of the stations, and ask people if you are not sure. A subway map comes in handy. Move toward the door when you approach your destination, and disembark quickly.

Third Step: Exiting the Subway

After disembarking: Follow the exit signs. Deposit your ticket or token into the slot or swipe your payment card and go through the turnstile.

Choose your exit: Many stations have many exit doors, and you'll save time and effort by exiting through the door closest to where you want to go. Look out for maps of the station layout, and ask people for directions.

The subway stations are often big and extensive with shops and food stands lining long corridors that might be hundreds of meters long. You can walk under the buildings and streets. Signs mark the destination of each exit.