Guide to Chengdu Metro: Map, Hours, Ticket Payment & Tips

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 2026

👀 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

​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!

✅Grab your China eSIM now for instant, reliable data at the best price I've found!

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

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)

Read More about Chengdu Travel Guide