How to Ride Chengdu Metro: Map, Train Times, Tickets & Payment Tips
Riding the Chengdu Metro is straightforward once you know the essentials. Start by checking the latest metro map to plan your route and transfers. Note the first and last train times to schedule your trips efficiently.
Tickets can be purchased with cash, a metro card, or via Alipay and WeChat Pay for convenience. Follow station signs, board the correct train, and use transfer tips to reach top attractions like the Panda Base and Chunxi Road easily. This guide shows you how to ride the Chengdu Metro easily and efficiently.
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What Are Chengdu Metro Hours, Tickets & Payment Methods?
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
Chengdu Metro Map
👀 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).
How to Use the 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!
✅Grab your China eSIM now for instant, reliable data at the best price I've found!
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How to Ride Chengdu Metro?
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!
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).
Entrance to take Chengdu metro
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.
Board Chengdu metro in the right direction
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
Visit the Giant Panda Base by taking Chengdu Metro Line 3
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
IFS & the Giant Panda Sculpture 🐼
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
How to Plan a 1-Day Chengdu Trip Using the 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) |
Reviews of Things to Do in Chengdu
Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum
4.6/5
5016 reviewsThe explanation was very detailed! Very thoughtful! Excellent service!
Jinli Street
4.6/5
692 reviewsJinli Ancient Street in Chengdu, China, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends rich history with vibrant culture. Dating back over 1,800 years to the Qin Dynasty, Jinli was once a bustling hub for brocade trading, earning it the title "First Street of the Shu Kingdom." Restored in 2004 to reflect the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty, the 550-meter-long pedestrian street is adorned with traditional wooden structures, upturned eaves, and intricate carvings.
Kuanzhai Alleys
4.6/5
876 reviewsPerfect for a leisurely stroll, sampling street snacks, and experiencing Chengdu’s culture. We bought some of the tea pastry and tea leaves and shop for some panda souvenirs there. We have our lunch in one of the Sichuan cuisine restaurant in the narrow alley which the food is pretty good. There is a cat souvenir shop named Mao Mao Yao which sells lovely handmade ceramic cat product. We bought some fridge magnets before going back to our hotel.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
4.6/5
24908 reviewsAllow yourself lots of time at the Panda centre. The place is huge and spread out. We saw several pandas and red pandas. Avoid weekends or school holiday time if you can. We used the shuttle bus to get around which saved time. The enclosures are reasonably large and most of have a natural environment but there are still some that have cement floors.
8% OFF Best Hotels Located Near Chengdu Metro
Check these top hotels near Chengdu Metro Station for a cozy stay👇👇
Hotels Near Kuanzhai Alley Metro Station (Line 4)
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Hotels Near Chunxi Road (Lines 2 & 3)
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Read More about Chengdu Travel Guide
FAQs about Chengdu Metro
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