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Getting around China’s public transport with kids

Navigating Public Transport in China with kids

Spending a month in China with kids is a whirlwind of discovery-equal parts exhilarating, challenging, and deeply rewarding. From bustling megacities to tranquil countryside, China is packed with surprises that will keep young travelers engaged and parents on their toes. Here’s what we learned about making the most of family travel in China, especially when it comes to getting around, navigating public transport and ride-sharing platforms like DiDi.

 This article is based on our personal first hand experience traveling with our kids in China for a month

 

Why China is Fantastic for Families

China offers a huge variety of experiences for families. Whether you’re exploring ancient history in Beijing, marveling at pandas in Chengdu, or floating down the rivers of Guilin, there’s always something new around the corner. Cities are lively and safe, and the cultural emersion for kids and families make  China a rewarding destination for development and growth. 

Don’t feel pressured to tick off every famous landmark. China is huge and it is impossible to tick off every activity and landmark. It takes time to get from one location to another due to the sheer size and amount of people, so enjoying each destination and activity to the fullest is our best advice. 

 

Navigating Public Transport with Kids

Taking the Metro

China’s metro systems are fast, clean, and efficient-perfect for families. Most signage is in both Chinese and English, and metro lines are color-coded and numbered. However, due to the large coverage, the metro network can be complex for those who are not accustomed to it. To catch the metro like a pro, you’ll need to know:

1. The starting station – this is your starting position
2. The final destination – this is where you intend to get to
3. The lines to reach the destination
4. The changeover stations – if transferring lines is required
5. The exit to your destination – each station can have as many as 8 exits, knowing  where you need to go and the exit at that station will make it easier for you to find,  otherwise you could end up walking around in circles or not finding your destination at all

 

Before you travel, download the metro map for that city in advance, this will make you a pro when navigating the extensive network. Apple Maps also seems to work well in China

 

We used this metro map app which you can download onto your phone:

 

Guangzhou –  https://exploregz.com/metro/
Shenzhen – https://shenzhen.exploremetro.com/metro/
Beijing – https://explorebj.com/subway/
Shanghai – https://exploreshanghai.com/metro/

Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it looks. Once you get the hang of the lines, you’ll be able to navigate the mtro like a pro

 

Fares for Children

 In many cities, children under 1.3 meters ride
free on metros and buses. If your child is between 1.3 and 1.5 meters, some
metros offer a 50% discount (though this varies by city). Kids taller than 1.5
meters usually pay full fare. However, when we travelled in Guangzhou and
Shenzhen, the staff advised that we did not need to purchase tickets for our
younger 2 children (they were 1.3-1.4m), and they can go through the gate with
a parent – 1 child per parent.  

 

When going through the ticket gates with kids, there’s no need to ‘rush’ through the gate. Simply scan the token and walk close to your child through the gate, by moving together closely, the machine will detect you as one person and won’t shut the gate on you when you walk through

 

Purchasing Metro Tickets

We found it was easiest to get tickets from the ticket machines at the station with kids. You can choose ‘English’ as the language, enter your destination, select how many adult passengers are travelling, and pay using the QR code for WeChat or Alipay. You’ll receive 1 token per adult ticket purchased.

If you’re traveling without kids, and you have a phone, simply use the “Transport” QR code in Alipay or WeChat – ensure it’s activated before you use the metro.

 

Security Screening at the station

All entry into metro stations in China require you to undergo security scanning. You need to place all bags on the conveyor belt and walk through the security screen and collect your bags. Any liquid bottles will need to be presented to the guards to scan separately as well.

Seating on the Metro

Be prepared to stand on the metro, there are limited seating available and this is more challenging during peak times.

Tips: 

 

  • The machines won’t work if you stand beyond the ticket machine, this includes your luggage. Ensure you stand in line with the scanner
  • Metros can get extremely crowded, especially during rush hour. Hold your kids’ hands, and always check which exit you need before leaving the station. Stations have 2- 8 exits, so the wrong exit can mean a long walk around or worse still, you can get very lost.
  • When exiting your final destination, instead of scanning your token, slot your token into the slot which will collect the token as you exit
 

Whenever you’re traveling with kids, keeping things organized can be the difference between a smooth day and total chaos. That’s why we always recommend Caveri compression packing cubes—your secret weapon for fast, stress-free mornings and easy access to outfit, no matter the itinerary. They’re built for real family travel, so you spend less time digging through bags and more time making memories together.

Four Caveri compression packing cubes in different sizes and colours, neatly stacked on top of a closed suitcase.

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