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Transport
Guide
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Transport

High-speed trains, subways, and ride-hailing (DiDi) using Alipay Integrated Services.

Last updated: April 2026

⚠️
Warning

Plan Around Chinese Holidays

During major holidays the entire country travels. Attractions are packed, train tickets sell out in seconds, and hotels often double or triple in price. Plan ahead: book early and expect crowds.

CNY Β· Late Jan/FebTomb Sweeping Β· AprilMay Day Β· May 1–5Dragon Boat Β· JuneMid-Autumn Β· Sept/OctNational Day Β· Oct 1–7

Use Alipay Integrated Services for metro, bus, and ride-hailing β€” no need to download standalone apps. For high-speed rail, Trip.com is the easiest option. See Essential Apps for details.

High-Speed Rail (G-Trains)

Which booking method should you use?

Trip.com logo Trip.com Recommended

  • Full English interface β€” zero confusion
  • No 12306 account or identity verification needed
  • Pays with your foreign credit card directly
  • English customer service if anything goes wrong
  • Small service fee (~Β₯20-30/ticket), but hassle-free

Alipay logo Alipay 12306 Mini-Program

  • No service fees β€” cheapest option
  • Requires 12306 account + passport verification (1-24h)
  • Interface is partially Chinese
  • Good for last-minute or sold-out tickets on Trip.com

Booking with Trip.com logo Trip.com β€” Easiest option

  1. 1

    Download Trip.com

    Create an account with your email.
  2. 2

    Search trains

    Go to Trains, enter your departure and arrival cities, date, and search.
  3. 3

    Select your train

    2nd class is perfectly comfortable β€” don't overpay for 1st class unless you want extra legroom.
  4. 4

    Enter passenger info

    Full name exactly as on passport, passport number, nationality.
  5. 5

    Pay

    Use your international credit card. You'll receive an e-ticket confirmation.
  6. 6

    At the station

    Scan your passport at the blue electronic gates β€” no paper ticket needed. Note: If the gate doesn't open, look for the 'Manual Lane' (staffed counter) β€” they will manually check your passport and let you through.
πŸ’‘
Pro Tip

If Trip.com is sold out, try the 12306 mini-program inside Alipay. It allows you to join a Waitlist (ε€™θ‘₯), which gives you the first priority if someone cancels their ticket. (Note: 12306 passport verification can take up to 24h).

City Metro & Bus

Ride the Metro with Alipay

  1. 1

    Open Alipay

    Tap "Transport" (ε‡Ίθ‘Œ) on the home screen.
  2. 2

    Select transport type

    Choose "Metro" (εœ°ι“) or "Bus" (ε…¬δΊ€).
  3. 3

    Choose your city

    First time? You'll need to agree to terms and enable "auto-deduct."
  4. 4

    Scan at turnstile

    A QR code will appear. Scan it when you enter AND when you exit β€” you're charged based on distance.
  5. 5

    Switching cities?

    Just tap the city name at the top to change your transport code.
ℹ️
Tip

Some cities (like Beijing) require a one-time real-name registration within the transport mini-program before your first ride. It takes just a few seconds.

Ride-Hailing ( DiDi logo DiDi )

Using DiDi inside Alipay

  1. 1

    Open DiDi

    In Alipay, search "DiDi" (ζ»΄ζ»΄ε‡Ίθ‘Œ) and open the mini-program.
  2. 2

    English interface

    Alipay features a built-in fully English version of DiDi. If your Alipay is in English, the entire interface β€” map, car types, and payment β€” will be in English. No Chinese needed.
  3. 3

    Set your destination

    Type a name or address. The map is very accurate.
  4. 4

    Choose car type

    "Express" (快车) = standard car. "Premier" (专车) = nicer car. "Taxi" (ε‡Ίη§Ÿθ½¦) = regular cab.
  5. 5

    Wait for your ride

    The app shows the driver's license plate, car model, and ETA.
  6. 6

    Communication

    If the driver calls, don't panic. Switch to the in-app chat β€” it has auto-translation. You type English, they see Chinese, and vice versa.
  7. 7

    Payment

    Charged automatically to your Alipay. No cash, no tipping.