Journey To ChinaLast updated
Scan an activated transit code or buy a single-journey ticket
Alipay's Chengdu Tianfutong transit code can be used in supported local transport. If WeChat already displays an activated Chengdu metro transit code, use that transport-code screen. The account used to enter must also be used to exit; an ordinary shop-payment code is a different function.
Without an activated code, select the destination and number of passengers at a ticket machine or ask the service centre for help with the Chinese station name. Touch the single-journey token or card at entry and follow the gate instruction when leaving.
By 2026, Chengdu Metro also supported direct gate tapping with qualifying UnionPay and foreign-issued Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and Discover contactless cards across the network. Enable contactless small-value payment, maintain sufficient funds, and use the same physical card or device at both gates.
Read line colour together with terminus and interchange
Line colours and numbers show connections; the current terminus, stopping pattern, exit number, and operating information complete the journey.
Platform screens show the line, train terminus, and next service. Direction is determined by the terminus. Airport corridors may use more than one stopping pattern, so check the displayed stops and announcements. At an interchange, follow the new line's colour and number; at the destination, use the exit number to reach the correct side of the road.
Large interchanges can include long corridors and changes of level. Lifts and wide gates are useful with luggage.
Airports and railway stations form the southern and eastern backbone
Tianfu Airport connects through the airport rail corridor toward South Railway Station, the high-tech district, and Tianfu Station. Line 19 links Tianfu Airport, Tianfu Station, Chengdu South, and the east side of Shuangliu T2. At Shuangliu, Line 10 uses T1 and T2 station names, while Lines 19 and 30 use Terminal 2 East.
Chengdu East national-rail station connects to metro Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东客站), while Chengdu South connects to South Railway Station (火车南站). National-rail and metro names may differ slightly, so confirm the railway station, metro station, and entrance together.
Familiar places create a map of central Chengdu
Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li form the central shopping district. Tianfu Square is an old-city axis and interchange, while People's Park and Kuanzhai Alleys lie to the west. Du Fu Thatched Cottage and the Panda Base add a bus or walk after the metro, with the exit number deciding where that final segment begins.
The network continues to expand. Remember the relative direction of airports, railway stations, and the centre, then use the official map and live navigation for the exact route.
Security and last-train checks belong to every journey
Metro entry includes security screening. Cases pass through the machine, liquids and special items follow on-site checks, and wide gates or accessible lifts serve larger luggage. In the evening, check the last train on both the current line and the onward interchange line. Temporary changes appear in Chengdu Metro notices, platform screens, and announcements.
