Ultimate Guide to Public Transportation in China for Foreigners

When you first arrive in China, you will face a very practical problem—Google Maps is no longer your navigation app. Then you will discover that you may not be able to find an empty taxi on the road at all.

You don't need to learn China's complex road network. You just need to switch from Google Maps to two key apps Amap and WeChat Mini-Programs—and replace the habit of hailing taxis on the street with Didi Chuxing on your phone.

This way, your travel will be so smooth that you'll just want to say "why didn't I know this sooner."

In addition, many Chinese cities' metros support using foreign bank cards directly as transit cards. And you only need to tap your phone, open Express Transit Mode in Apple Pay and other wallet apps, add your bank card, and you can swipe your phone directly to enter the station—just like using the Oyster Card in London or the Suica in Tokyo.

What Apps You Need to Get Around Chinese Cities

1. Amap: Baidu Maps is also an option, but Amap is the top player in this field
2. Didi Chuxing: 2026 latest ride-hailing guide
3. WeChat: Transit mini-program, the universal key to accessing public transportation systems across the country
4. Shared bikes: Meituan Bike

Amap: The Best Alternative to Google Maps

Why Choose Amap Over Other Maps

1. Just like China's iOS and Android systems, Amap and Baidu Maps dominate China's mobile map market. In comparison, Baidu Maps is less accurate in bus route planning than Amap
2. Google Maps is difficult to use in China. Since Google does not operate its map business in China, it cannot provide accurate navigation within the country
3. Apple Maps can use Amap's data, but does not support offline maps. If you are in a remote area with poor network conditions, offline maps are necessary at this time

Downloading and Setting Up Amap

1. Download: Search for "Amap" or "高德地图" in your app store
2. English settings: To be honest, although it supports English, many secondary functions are still in Chinese

3. Offline maps: Download offline maps for your city in advance to avoid poor signal situations
4. Add a bank card to Apple Pay and enable Express Transit Mode: swipe your phone directly to enter the station
5. Add Alipay/WeChat as payment methods: purchase bus weekly passes, monthly passes, vouchers, etc. within the app

Using Amap for Travel

1. Set your destination and view recommended routes
2. Ride-hailing: In addition to the Didi ride-hailing introduced above, you can also hail rides on Amap, but the author recommends using Didi Chuxing directly
3. Walking: Nothing much to say here, just like using Google Maps
4. Cycling: Generally Meituan and Qingju bikes, you don't need to download separate apps for these two, you can use them directly in WeChat mini-programs
5. Bus and metro: This is a very important part, which we will introduce in detail below

Bus and Metro

In China, although there are Didi and Amap for ride-hailing, the metro and bus are still the first choice for many people. They not only cover every corner of the city but are also efficient and affordable.

Most cities' metro and bus systems nationwide have been integrated into WeChat mini-programs. There is no need to download multiple city-specific apps; one mini-program can handle all your travel needs.

Installing the Transit Code Mini-Program

1. Search for "乘车" in the WeChat top search bar, and tap the mini-program in the search results
2. Agree to the terms
3. Enable location permissions
4. Select your city's metro card or bus card
5. After seeing your city's transit code, tap to activate it

About Shared Bikes

In China, shared bikes are everywhere and are an extremely convenient short-distance transportation tool.

Shared bikes do not require downloading a separate app. You can directly scan the QR code on the bike with WeChat or Alipay, and the corresponding mini-program will pop up for quick unlocking. This means you don't need to prepare a specific app or a deposit—just scan and go.

Shared bikes are essentially a scan-to-use mini-program, so they can bypass cumbersome real-name verification, directly use WeChat Pay or Alipay to pay, and even purchase platform riding packages.

Common Brands and Scanning Methods:

• Meituan Bike / Qingju Bike -> Use WeChat scan to unlock
• Hello Bike -> Use Alipay scan to unlock

Note: Shared bikes are mainly concentrated in large and medium-sized cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just use Apple Maps? Apple Maps uses Amap's data and can meet basic travel needs. But it does not support offline maps, which may be inconvenient if you go to remote areas, and it doesn't have as many localized features as Amap.

How do I pay for public transportation fares? The metro can be paid with bank cards in wallet apps (after enabling Express Transit Mode), or with Alipay/WeChat Pay. Please refer to the corresponding articles for how to apply for Alipay/WeChat Pay. Buses can also be paid with Alipay/WeChat Pay.

What should I pay attention to on the metro?

• Strictly no smoking
• No eating or drinking
• Must pass through security check

Do I have to download all the apps? For your first time in China, it is recommended to download Amap, Didi Chuxing, and WeChat. This will meet your travel needs without filling up your phone.