If you’ve ever traveled in China, you know the metro (地铁 dìtiě) is one of the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient ways to get around. But for learners of Mandarin Chinese, riding the subway is also an amazing chance to practice real-life Mandarin travel phrases.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a typical metro journey in China—from buying tickets to going through security. Along the way, you’ll pick up practical Chinese vocabulary that you can use the next time you travel in China.
Step 1: Buying Your Metro Ticket 
The first step is always 买票 (mǎi piào) – to buy a ticket.
Most Chinese people use a metro card (地铁卡 dìtiě kǎ), which makes travel faster and even gives discounts. If you don’t have one, you can buy a single-use ticket at the vending machine.
Here’s how:
- 选择地铁站 (xuǎnzé dìtiě zhàn) – Select your destination station.
- 点击车站 (diǎnjī chēzhàn) – Tap the station on the screen.
- 选择票数 (xuǎnzé piàoshù) – Choose the number of tickets.
- 支付 (zhīfù) – Pay.
Payment methods you’ll see:
- 支付宝 Zhīfùbǎo (Alipay)
- 微信支付 Wēixìn Zhīfù (WeChat Pay)
- 现金 xiànjīn (cash – only 5 RMB or 10 RMB bills are accepted)
For a deeper dive into vocabulary like 买票, 飞机票, or 火车票, check out our guide on Chinese travel vocabulary.
Step 2: Security Check 
After buying your ticket, you must go through 安检 (ānjiǎn) – security check.
The process:
- Put your bag on the scanner: 把包放在机器上 (bǎ bāo fàng zài jīqì shàng)
- Staff may quickly pat you down: 工作人员搜身 (gōngzuò rényuán sōushēn)
This is completely normal in Chinese metro stations. But here’s where the alcohol question comes up…
Can You Bring Alcohol on the Metro in China? 
The short answer: Yes, but only under certain conditions.
Metro rules say:
超过50度 (chāoguò wǔshí dù) – over 50% alcohol → Not allowed. 超过两公斤 (chāoguò liǎng gōngjīn) – more than 2 kg in total → Not allowed.
So, if you’re carrying a small bottle of beer or wine, you’re usually fine. But if it’s strong liquor like 白酒 (báijiǔ) over 50% or a large quantity, it will get stopped at security.
Curious about 白酒 and other Chinese Food? Read our cultural guide on Irresistible Chinese Street Food: Top 5 Picks!
Step 3: Boarding the Train 
Once you pass security, swipe your metro card or insert your paper ticket:
刷地铁卡 (shuā dìtiě kǎ) – swipe the metro card
While waiting for the train, follow metro etiquette in China:
- Stand on the sides and let passengers exit first.
- Stay behind the 黄色安全线 (huángsè ānquán xiàn) – yellow safety line.
- Watch the 空隙 (kòngxì) – gap between the platform and the train.
Want more survival phrases? Explore our post on essential Mandarin for train travel.
Step 4: Enjoying the Ride 
In the summer, especially in southern China (中国南方 Zhōngguó Nánfāng), the metro is a lifesaver. With strong air conditioning, no traffic jams, and ticket prices as low as 两块钱 liǎng kuài qián (2 RMB), it’s one of the most efficient ways to travel.
See how numbers like 两 (liǎng) and 块 (kuài) work in our Chinese numbers.
Step 5: Exiting the Metro 
When you arrive at your destination, simply swipe your card or insert your ticket:
刷卡出站 (shuā kǎ chūzhàn) – swipe card to exit the station
Key Mandarin Vocabulary You Learned
Here’s a recap of useful Chinese subway rules and vocabulary:
- 地铁 (dìtiě) – metro / subway
- 地铁卡 (dìtiě kǎ) – metro card
- 买票 (mǎi piào) – buy a ticket
- 安检 (ānjiǎn) – security check
- 白酒 (báijiǔ) – Chinese liquor
- 黄色安全线 (huángsè ānquán xiàn) – yellow safety line
- 出站 (chūzhàn) – exit the station
Want to learn more? Visit our Mandarin travel phrase collection.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re in China, remember that the metro (地铁 dìtiě) isn’t just a way to get around—it’s also a perfect chance to practice Mandarin in everyday life.