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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723952 booked
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
5056 reviewsThis place is especially recommended for fans of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Even those with only a vague understanding of the story will find it more enjoyable if they do a little research beforehand, deepening their understanding of the characters and historical background. It will surely be a memorable visit.
The information boards are in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, making them easy for foreign travelers to understand. I visited in the morning, and there were relatively few tourists, allowing me to explore at my own pace.
The grounds have a calm atmosphere, allowing you to feel the history and culture of ancient China in a peaceful setting. It has a different charm from bustling tourist spots, and I highly recommend visiting this place when you're in Chengdu.
Jinli Street
4.6/5
678 reviewsWe are always searching for beauty, believing it lies hidden in some distant landscape, waiting to be discovered. But as we embark on our journeys, traversing path after path, we gradually realize that beauty has always been around us; we simply haven't taken the time to appreciate it. Those unexpected moments that touch us on our travels, the warmth and kindness we feel in unfamiliar surroundings, the companionship and encouragement we receive in moments of loneliness—they may not have glamorous appearances, but they possess the most moving power. We begin to learn to feel the world with a tender heart, to discover the beauty that has been overlooked. We understand that beauty isn't placed somewhere, but rather engraved in our hearts. The emotions and growth we gain on our journeys become the most precious treasures in our lives. They make us stronger and gentler, allowing us to maintain our yearning and pursuit of beauty even when facing life's storms.
Kuanzhai Alleys
4.6/5
857 reviewsWe are always searching for a state of being, a state untouched by the passage of time, undiminished by worldly passion. On the road, we found it. It's a perpetually youthful spirit—not youthful in appearance, but youthful in soul, a youth that maintains a constant curiosity and love for the world. When we shoulder our packs and embark on unknown journeys, each departure is a rebirth. We witness the ever-changing light and shadow at sunrise, the vastness of the starry sky, the smiles and kindness of strangers—moments that bring tears to our eyes. Not because of sadness, but because of profound emotion, for we finally understand that the beauty of life lies not in what we possess, but in what we experience. On the road, we shed all pretense and defenses, facing the world with our most authentic selves. We no longer dwell on gains and losses, no longer cling to outcomes, but savor every scene, every encounter. This youthfulness is a love for life, a yearning for freedom, and courage in the face of the unknown. We are forever young because we are forever on the road, forever moved to tears.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
4.6/5
24825 reviewsThe pandas are very, very, very, cute. 🐼 Definitely go right when it opens at 7:30am because a) pandas don’t like the heat as much as we do and b) it’s very crowded. I recommend skipping the panda observatories (sun ☀️, moon 🌙 ) close to the entrance of the park and taking the $3-4 shuttle all the way to the star ⭐️ panda observatory at the highest point of the park- it’s significantly less crowded and you will not be battling the crowds for your photos.
Chunxi Road
4.7/5
426 reviewsWe always thought youth would fade with time, but on the road, we discovered that youth is actually a choice. A choice to set off, a choice to be brave, a choice to remain curious about the world. When we're on our journey, we're no longer bound by worldly rules, no longer swayed by the opinions of others, but true to our own hearts, pursuing the happiness that truly belongs to us. We see the tranquility under the starry sky, the hope at sunrise, the warmth of strangers—moments that bring tears to our eyes. Not because of loneliness, but because we finally understand that the beauty of life lies not in how much we possess, but in how much we experience. On the road, we learn to let go, to cherish, and to encounter a better version of ourselves with each departure. This youth is a yearning for freedom, a love for life, and courage in the face of the unknown. We are forever young because we are forever on the road, forever moved to tears.
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
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