How to buy ticket in China

🎫 How to Buy Train, Bus, and Metro Tickets in China 🇨🇳

China has one of the most efficient and extensive transportation networks in the world, including high-speed trains (CRH), metros, buses, and long-distance travel options. Whether you’re traveling within a city like Beijing or Shanghai or taking a high-speed train across the country, here’s a complete guide on how to buy tickets in China.

🚆 How to Buy Train & Metro Tickets in China

📌 China High-Speed Rail (CRH) & Regular Trains

China’s high-speed rail (Gaotie, 高铁) is the fastest way to travel between cities, while regular trains are cheaper but slower.

🔹 Where to Buy Train Tickets:
✅ Online booking – Official railway website: https://www.12306.cn/
✅ Travel apps – Ctrip: https://www.ctrip.com/ / Trip.com: https://www.trip.com/
✅ Ticket machines – Available at train stations (Chinese language only)
✅ Ticket counters – Requires passport for booking

🔹 How to Pay:
💳 WeChat Pay, Alipay (Most recommended)
💵 Cash (Only at ticket counters)
📄 Passport required for all train ticket purchases

👉 Tip: Book high-speed train tickets in advance, especially for peak seasons like Chinese New Year and Golden Week.

📌 Metro/Subway Tickets in Major Chinese Cities

Most major cities in China have modern metro systems that are the easiest way to get around.

🚇 Beijing Subway

🔹 Where to Buy:
✅ Ticket vending machines in metro stations
✅ Beijing Yikatong (Metro Card) at service counters
✅ Mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay) via QR code
🔹 More info: https://www.bjsubway.com/en/

🚇 Shanghai Metro

🔹 Where to Buy:
✅ Shanghai Public Transport Card (SPTC) at metro stations
✅ Mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay/UnionPay QR code)
🔹 More info: http://service.shmetro.com/en/

👉 Tip: Download the metro app for real-time updates on routes and fares.

🚌 How to Buy Bus Tickets in China

📌 City Bus Tickets

Most city buses in China no longer accept cash. Instead, you should use:
✅ Transport cards (like Yikatong in Beijing, Lingnan Pass in Guangzhou)
✅ WeChat Pay or Alipay QR codes
✅ Contactless bank cards (UnionPay, NFC payments)

📌 Long-Distance Bus Tickets

For intercity travel, long-distance buses are a budget-friendly option.

🔹 Where to Buy:
✅ Online via official platforms – Ctrip: https://www.ctrip.com/ / Qunar: https://www.qunar.com/
✅ At bus stations (requires passport for booking)
✅ WeChat Mini Programs for local bus companies

🔹 How to Pay:
💳 WeChat Pay, Alipay (Recommended)
💵 Cash (only at some ticket counters)

👉 Tip: Long-distance bus stations are separate from train stations, so check your departure location carefully.

🚖 How to Buy Taxi & Ride-Hailing Tickets in China

Taxis in China rarely accept cash anymore, so mobile payment is a must.

🔹 Best Taxi & Ride-Hailing Apps:
🚖 DiDi (滴滴出行) – The most popular ride-hailing app: https://www.didiglobal.com/
🚖 Meituan Taxi (美团打车) – Available in major cities: https://www.meituan.com/
🚖 Baidu Maps (百度地图) – Ride-hailing services integrated: https://map.baidu.com/

🔹 How to Pay:
✅ WeChat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay (Most common)
✅ Credit cards (limited acceptance for foreigners)

👉 Tip: DiDi offers an English version of its app, making it easier for international travelers.

📌 Summary: Best Ways to Buy Tickets in China

Transport Type	Where to Buy Tickets	Payment Methods
🚆 High-Speed Trains (CRH)	12306.cn, Trip.com, ticket counters	WeChat Pay, Alipay, cash
🚇 Metro (Beijing, Shanghai, etc.)	Ticket machines, metro cards, mobile payment	WeChat Pay, Alipay, cash (limited)
🚌 City Buses	WeChat QR codes, transport cards	WeChat Pay, Alipay, NFC payments
🚌 Long-Distance Buses	Ctrip, Qunar, bus stations	WeChat Pay, Alipay, cash (at stations)
🚖 Taxis & Ride-Hailing	DiDi, Meituan, Baidu Maps	WeChat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay

✨ Final Tips for Buying Tickets in China

✅ Always carry your passport – Required for train & long-distance bus tickets.
✅ Use mobile payment (WeChat Pay & Alipay) – Cash is rarely accepted anymore.
✅ Book train & bus tickets in advance – Especially for peak travel seasons.
✅ Download DiDi for taxis & ride-hailing – It supports English and foreign credit cards.

With this guide, buying tickets in China will be fast, convenient, and hassle-free! 🇨🇳🎫🚆✨

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