Move like you live here.
The transport map for foreigners: the metro, taxis and payments that actually work for you — plus an interactive map of where to point yourself in four cities.
Four things and you're mobile.
Cheap, fast, in English
Every big-city metro signs lines by number and colour, with English everywhere. The easiest way across town — no traffic, flat low fares.
- Pay by QR: add the metro card inside Alipay or WeChat and scan in.
- Or buy a single-ride token from the English-language machines.
Hail with your phone
DiDi is China's Uber and has an English mode — pay in-app, no cash or language needed. Street taxis are cheap but want the destination in Chinese.
- Set your drop-off by showing the driver the Chinese address.
- DiDi quotes the fare upfront, so there's no haggling.
Where the foreign card works
Bind a Visa/Mastercard inside Alipay or WeChat and you can pay almost anywhere by QR. Malls, hotels and big chains also take the physical card.
- Carry a little cash for tiny stalls and rural spots — by law they must accept it.
- Annual foreign-card limit is real (~¥50,000) — keep a backup.
The four apps that matter
Google Maps doesn't work well here. Install the local stack before you land so day one is smooth.
- Amap or Baidu Maps for navigation; DiDi for rides.
- Alipay or WeChat for paying; Trip.com for trains and hotels.
An interactive map for four cities.
Switch cities and toggle what you want to see — landmarks, neighbourhoods worth a citywalk, and the transit hubs you'll arrive and leave from. Tap any dot for a quick tip.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Locations are guidance for planning, not live availability — always check current hours and routes.