About Chengdu Metro: Hours, Ticket Price & Pay
Chengdu’s metro is the easiest way to zip across the city, with 12 lines (Lines 1–10, plus 17 & 18) reaching everywhere from downtown to suburbs.
🚇 Need-to-know:
- Runs daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM (times vary slightly by line).
- Fares start at just ¥2 (up to ~¥8 for longer trips).
- Pay however you like: cash, Alipay, WeChat, or a Tianfutong card.
Chengdu Metro Map 2025
👀 Digital Map Tips
- Amap/Baidu Maps: Enable "Metro Mode" for step-by-step guidance.
- WeChat Mini-Program: Search "成都地铁" for official updates.
Note: Some older maps may not include Line 17/18—double-check online!
If u are going to Chengdu from other cities in China, pls search China bullet train below!
How to Buy Chengdu Metro Tickets for Foreigners
Credit: viajeroslowcosteros (Here I take Shanghai for instance, Chengdu is the same way)
Chengdu’s metro is the fastest and cheapest way to explore the city. 👍 I love to use Alipay/WeChat QR code—it’s the easiest! No need to fuss with machines or cash.
Here’s everything you need to know about buying tickets as a foreign visitor:
1. Ticket Vending Machines (Self-Service)
- Available at every station in both English and Chinese.
- How it works:
- Select your destination on the touchscreen.
- Choose the number of tickets.
- Pay with cash (bills/coins), Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
- Pro tip: Smaller stations may not accept large bills (¥50/¥100), so keep some change handy.
2. Ticket Counters (For Assistance)
- Available at major stations (e.g., Tianfu Square, Chunxi Road).
- Helpful if you’re unsure about the machines or need change.
3. Mobile QR Code (The Easiest Option!)
- Alipay:
- Open the app → "Transport" → Select "Transport . Chengdu" → Tap "Metro" section → Get your QR code.
- Scan at the gate to enter and exit.
- WeChat Pay:
- Go to "Services" → "Transport" → Activate "Chengdu Metro QR Code".
- Important for foreigners:
- You must link an international card (Visa/Mastercard etc.) to Alipay/WeChat Pay first.
- Some users report issues with foreign cards—carry cash as a backup.
4. Tianfutong Card (For Frequent Travelers)
- Buy a physical card (¥20 deposit + recharge) at ticket counters.
- Tianfutong App: Works like a digital card (requires Chinese ID for full features).
Chengdu Metro Card - Tianfutong Transport Card
If you're staying in Chengdu for several days, the Tianfutong Card is your best travel companion—it works on the metro, buses, and even some shared bikes!
✅ Skip ticket lines – Tap & go on all public transport
✅ Save money – Slightly cheaper than single tickets
✅ Convenient – No need to fumble for cash or QR codes
Types of Tianfutong Cards
| Card Type | Best For | Key Features |
| Standard Card | Short-term visitors | Works on metro/buses, no ID needed |
| E-Tianfutong (App) | Tech-savvy travelers | Mobile payment (no physical card) |
| Tourist Card | Sightseers | Includes transport discounts + some attraction deals |
Where to Buy Tianfutong Cards
You can get a Tianfutong Card at:
📍 IC Card Service Points (bus company offices)
📍 Tianfutong Official Stores (dedicated service centers)
📍 Hongqi Supermarkets (major chain)
📍 Wudongfeng Supermarkets (convenience stores)
📍 Online – On "Chengdu Tianfutong" WeChat Official Account or Alipay App
Important Notes
- No ID required for standard cards (but they can't be blocked if lost).
- Deposit: ¥20 for physical cards (refundable if returned).
- Top-up: Minimum ¥10 at machines/stores (cash or mobile pay).
Pro Tip: If you're staying 3+ days, the Tourist Card might save you more!
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How to Ride Chengdu Metro?
1. Plan Your Route
- Use Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps → Enter destination → Select "Metro" route.
- Check:
- Lines needed (e.g., Line 3 to Panda Base)
- Transfer stations (e.g., 省体育馆站 for Lines 1 & 3)
- Exit number (e.g., "Exit D for Chunxi Road")
- 📌 Tip: Screenshot your route—no signal underground!
Sry I use Shanghai metro route for instance here, Chengdu is the same!
2. Enter & Buy Ticket
- Pay with Alipay/WeChat:
- Open app → Search "Chengdu Metro" → Scan QR code at gate.
- Buy single-ticket:
- Use self-service machines (select station → pay with cash/WeChat/Alipay).
- Get a token (tap to enter, insert to exit).
- 🛂 Security: Bags go through X-ray (no knives/lighters).
3. Board the Train
- Follow signs to your line (e.g., "Line 1 · Science City方向").
- Check direction (final stop name matches app).
- 🚇 Wait behind yellow line → Let passengers exit first.
4. Transfer or Exit
- Transfer? Follow colored signs (e.g., "Line 3 →").
- Exit: Scan QR code or insert token.
- Choose exit number (per app directions).
Best Chengdu Metro Lines & Stops for Travel
1️⃣ Panda Ave (Line 3)
• Panda Base - See baby pandas!
• Go early (before 9am) - They're most active mornings
• Take Exit A → ¥2 shuttle to entrance
2️⃣ Chunxi Road (Lines 2 & 3)
• IFS rooftop panda - Chengdu's top photo spot
• Taikoo Li - Luxury shopping in traditional courtyards
• Eat: Long Chao Shou's famous dumplings
3️⃣ Kuanzhai Alley (Line 4)
• Wide Alley - Trendy cafes & art
• Narrow Alley - Traditional tea houses
4️⃣ Tianfu Square (Lines 1 & 2)
• Giant yin-yang landmark
• Underground mall with cheap eats
5️⃣ Gaoshengqiao (Line 3)
• Wuhou Temple - Beautiful Three Kingdoms shrine
Chengdu 1-Day Itinerary - Trip by Metro
| Time | Activity & Location | Metro Guide |
| 08:00 | Wuhou Temple (Explore Three Kingdoms history) | Take Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao, Exit C → 10-min walk |
| 10:00 | Jinli Ancient Street (Sichuan snacks & souvenirs) | Directly adjacent to Wuhou Temple |
| 12:00 | Chunxi Road (Shopping & IFS panda) | Line 3 → Line 2 at Chunxi Road Station |
| 14:00 | Kuanzhai Alley (Traditional tea houses) | Line 2 → Line 4 at Taisheng Rd South |
| 16:00 | Panda Base (See giant pandas) | Line 4 → Line 3 at Chengdu Medical College → Exit A + ¥2 shuttle bus |
| 19:00 | Hotpot Dinner (Dadonghai/Shudaxia) | Line 3 → Line 2 to city center → Walk/taxi to restaurant |
| 21:00 | Jiuyanqiao Nightlife (Bars & river views) | Option 1: Line 2 → Line 6 at Niushikou, Exit B Option 2: Didi taxi (¥15-20) |
Chengdu Metro Nearby Hotels
Check these top hotels near Chengdu Metro Station for a cozy stay👇👇
Hotels Near Kuanzhai Alley Metro Station (Line 4)
Hotels Near Chunxi Road (Lines 2 & 3)
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Read More about Chengdu Travel Guide
FAQs about Chengdu Metro
Is there a metro in Chengdu?
Yes! Chengdu has a modern 12-line metro system (Lines 1-10, 17, 18) covering the city and suburbs. It’s the fastest way to avoid traffic.How do you pay for the metro in Chengdu?
4 Payment Options: Alipay/WeChat Pay: Scan QR codes at gates (easiest for tourists). Single-ride tickets: Buy at machines (cash/WeChat/Alipay accepted). Tianfutong Card: Reloadable transport card (good for multi-day stays). Apple Pay: Linked to Tianfutong (for iPhone users).What time does Chengdu metro open?
6:00 AM–11:00 PM (varies slightly by line). Last trains depart ~10:50 PM – Check station screens for exact times.