Quick Answer

Use a ticket or an activated transit QR code for your city. In Shanghai, eligible contactless bank cards can also be tapped directly at metro gates; check the conditions below. Do not assume this works nationwide. Choose the line, direction and exit before entering. A store-payment QR is not a metro code, and a saved screenshot may not work at a gate.

October 2026 holiday metro alert: Shanghai and Beijing

Expired advisory, reviewed October 8, 2026 (China time, UTC+8). The dated holiday restrictions below covered travel through October 7 and should not be used as current closure instructions.

The Shanghai holiday traffic notice scheduled the evening restrictions at Nanjing East Road (Lines 2 and 10) and Yuyuan (Line 14) through October 7. The Beijing Subway holiday notice gave separate October 1–5 station closures and entrance restrictions ending by October 7.

Those published dates have passed. This review does not establish that every affected entrance has reopened or that there are no new controls. For travel from October 8 onward, check current operator announcements and station signs. The separate Hongqiao Airport T1 walkway change below starts October 8 and remains relevant.

If this happens, do this

If the table extends beyond the screen, scroll sideways to read more.
Situation What to do next
Transit activation fails Use a ticket machine or staffed counter with an accepted payment method. In Shanghai, see the separate service-center ticket fallback below.
You enter with a code Use the same account and supported medium to exit; ask staff if the journey record is incomplete.
You travel with children or a group Check that city’s ticket rules; do not pass one code around without a supported group feature.
You carry large luggage Check the exit and lift route before leaving the paid area.

Metro QR Codes in China: Activation and Backup.

Before You Enter the Station

  1. Search the route in Amap or a local map app.
  2. Check the line number and final direction station.
  3. Note the transfer station.
  4. Note the exit number near your destination.
  5. Keep your payment method ready.

The exit number matters. In large stations, the wrong exit can put you on the opposite side of a road, mall or railway complex.

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport T1: walkway change from October 8, 2026

From October 8, 2026, use Exit 1 at Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1 station on Metro Line 10 and the temporary covered walkway on the Konggang 1st Road (空港一路) side to reach Terminal 1. The former surface walkway from Exit 3 closes for construction. For the reverse trip from Terminal 1 to the metro, follow the same new walkway toward Exit 1.

Exit 1 has an escalator and an accessible lift. Follow the signs and allow extra walking time; this notice concerns Hongqiao (SHA) Terminal 1, not Pudong Airport (PVG) or Hongqiao Terminal 2.

Source: Shanghai government notice carrying the airport operator’s guidance, checked October 7, 2026. The notice does not announce an end date; use current signs and staff guidance while the temporary route is in place.

Use the map for your own city. This Shanghai example shows line numbers and interchange stations.

Shanghai transport map. 2025-12-27 edition. Community map; use the operator for current closures and exits.

Shanghai transport map. 2025-12-27 edition. Community map; use the operator for current closures and exits.

Image source: Yveltal. CC BY-SA 4.0; labels unchanged.

Payment Options

Transport QR code

Many cities support transport QR codes inside Alipay, WeChat or local transit apps. Open the correct city and mode before reaching the gate. Some city transport codes require identity verification or card setup.

Single ticket

Ticket machines are useful if QR setup fails. Choose destination station, pay and keep the ticket until exit.

Public transport card

Some cities sell physical stored-value cards. They are useful for longer stays but may be unnecessary for a short trip.

Bank card tap-to-ride

Availability varies by city: buying a ticket with a bank card and tapping that card directly at a gate are different services.

Shanghai-specific: the official rollout notice extended direct Tap to Ride across the Shanghai Metro network from June 28, 2025. Eligible cards include UnionPay chip cards and contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB cards. The notice specifies international Visa cards and Visa-CUP dual-brand, dual-currency cards, and excludes Type-B chips and cards without offline data authentication (ODA). Enable small-amount password-free payments and ensure sufficient balance or credit. If unsure about eligibility, ask your card issuer. Official rollout and card conditions.

A network logo alone does not guarantee acceptance. Do not assume a card stored in any phone wallet will work: these sources do not establish universal mobile-wallet support. For a rejected tap, ask station staff before trying another entry method.

Shanghai fallback: buy a ticket at a staffed service center

If QR activation fails, go to a Shanghai Metro station service center and ask to buy a ticket. The city's official guide says service centers at all metro stations have card terminals accepting domestic UnionPay and overseas Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club and JCB cards. This is a ticket purchase at the counter, not direct gate access. Follow the instructions for the ticket you receive. If your card is rejected, ask staff about another accepted payment method. Official Shanghai ticketing guide.

Step-by-Step: Ride the Metro

  1. Enter the station through security.
  2. Buy a ticket, open your activated QR code, or prepare a card eligible for that city’s direct gate service.
  3. Scan or tap at the gate.
  4. Follow signs for your line and direction.
  5. Stand on the correct platform side.
  6. Transfer if needed.
  7. Check the destination exit before leaving the platform.
  8. Follow the exit reader for your ticket type: scan the live ride code or paper QR ticket, tap the same supported card used to enter, or insert/return an IC single-use ticket or token where marked. In Shanghai, paper QR single tickets are scanned at both entry and exit and are not collected at the exit gate. Ask staff if the gate rejects it.

Common Problems

QR code does not work

Check that you selected the right city and transport mode. Refresh the QR code and make sure your payment method is active. If it still fails, buy a single ticket.

You entered the wrong direction

Get off at the next station and cross to the opposite direction if the station layout allows it.

The transfer is long

Some Chinese metro transfers require a long walk. If you have luggage, choose fewer transfers even if the route is slightly slower.

You cannot find the exit

Use station signs and Amap. Search for the destination inside the station and check the recommended exit.

Luggage Tips

Avoid rush hour if carrying suitcases. Use elevators where possible. At major railway stations and airports, give yourself extra time because security, walking distance and crowding can slow you down.

Disclaimer

App interfaces, payment rules, station practices, hotel policies and local procedures may change. Treat this guide as a source-checked practical guide, then verify important details with the official service, your hotel, transport staff or your card issuer before relying on it in an urgent situation.

Sources and review

Shanghai direct-gate and staffed ticket-purchase guidance rechecked September 30, 2026 (UTC), using the official guide marked updated June 29, 2026 and the June 27, 2025 rollout notice. Earlier background sources below were reviewed on September 10, 2026. The practical fallback steps are editorial guidance. This is not a recorded field test.