Getting Around Chengdu: Metro, DiDi & Shared Bikes Guide for Students
Didi
(滴滴出行 – Dīdī Chūxíng): the most convenient option
💡 Useful Tips
Save your favorite addresses
Although the (very good) algorithm will usually suggest your destination automatically, save your most frequently used addresses (school, accommodation, favorite café, etc.). It will make your daily trips much easier.
DiDi is one of your best opportunities to practice Chinese
Drivers are generally very friendly and often enjoy chatting. They know your Chinese level may be limited, but they are usually the first ones to encourage you. Take advantage of the opportunity to practice your Chinese and enjoy the ride!
💰 Price: ~8 to 25 RMB depending on the distance
🕑 Availability: 24/7
👉 Payment: Booking via WeChat, payment through the app
💬 Language: Interface partially available in English, drivers rarely speak English
✔️ Tracking: Real-time location sharing
✅ Availability: Very easy to find in the city centre, waiting time is often less than 5 minutes
✅ Options: Several pricing options available, from Economy to Premium
⚙️ How it works:
→ Open the app. Your location will be detected automatically by the green location pin.
→ Enter your destination in “Where to”.
→ Choose your service option (from Economy to Luxury) by selecting or deselecting the different options, then confirm.
→ Your trip will be confirmed by a driver and their information will appear on the screen.
→ When entering the car, the driver will ask you to confirm your phone number 电话号码 (diàn huà hàomǎ).
→ Usually, they will ask for the last 4 digits of your phone number.
→ This is the number registered when you downloaded the app:
Me > Pay and Services > DiDi > Account
→ Once the trip is completed, pay directly through the app if you have not activated automatic payment.
⚠️ Good to know
👉The driver is calling you
If the driver calls, it is usually to confirm your exact location.
Sending a message or a screenshot is enough in 90% of cases.
👉You have an ongoing trip but closed WeChat?
You can find your trip:
– On the first page of the app
or
– Me > Pay and Services > DiDi > Account > My trips
👉You receive automatic calls in Chinese?
It may be because your previous trip has not been paid.
Open the DiDi app and you will automatically be redirected to the payment page.
Activate automatic payment to make things easier: your ride will be charged automatically once the trip is completed.
🗣️ Small talks
What the driver might say
你从哪国来？(Nǐ cóng nǎ guó lái?) → Which country are you from?
你在这里做什么 (Nǐ zài zhèlǐ zuò shénme?) → What are you doing here?
你喜欢成都吗 (Nǐ xǐhuān Chéngdū ma?) → Do you like Chengdu?
What you can say
我是留学生 – 我学中文 (Wǒ shì liúxuéshēng – Wǒ xué Zhōngwén)→ I am an international student – I study Chinese
你可以关窗吗 (Nǐ kěyǐ guān chuāng ma?)→ Could you close the window?
我们大概什么时候到 (Wǒmen dàgài shénme shíhòu dào?)→ Around what time will we arrive?
你可以把我放在这里 (Nǐ kěyǐ bǎ wǒ fàng zài zhèlǐ)→ You can drop me off here
🚲 Shared Bikes
(共享单车 – gòngxiǎng dānchē): The Most Flexible Option
💡 Useful Tips
Check the bike before you ride
Take a few seconds to inspect the bike before unlocking it. Make sure the brakes work properly, the tyres are in good condition, and the seat is secure. Whenever possible, choose newer-looking bikes and avoid riding on major roads during rush hour.
It’s the perfect complement to the metro
Shared bikes are ideal for covering the “last mile” between the metro station and your destination. They’re often the quickest and most enjoyable way to explore Chengdu’s quieter streets and neighbourhoods.
💰 Price: Approximately 1–2 RMB per 30 minutes
🕑 Availability: 24/7
👉 How to use: Scan the QR code on the bike using Alipay or WeChat
💬 Language: Interface mainly available in Chinese
✔️ Unlock: Quick QR code unlocking
✅ Perfect for short trips
✅ Bikes are widely available across the city
⚠️ Bike quality can vary depending on the operator and the individual bike
⚙️ How it works:
→ The first time you use the service: Open Alipay, search for Bike Sharing (共享单车 – Gòngxiǎng Dānchē). Verify your account and agree to the terms: you’ll be asked to confirm your mobile number, agree to the user terms, and complete a quick identity verification. Once activated, you’re ready to scan any supported shared bike QR code and start riding.
→ Open Alipay or WeChat.
→ Scan the QR code on the bike.
→ The bike will unlock automatically.
→ When you reach your destination, park the bike in an authorised area
→ End your trip in the app, the bike will lock automatically
⚠️ Good to know
👉Park in authorised areas
Always park your bike in designated parking zones. Leaving it outside an authorised area may result in additional fees or penalties.
⚠️ Road Safety
Chengdu is generally a very safe city, but road traffic can be different from what you may be used to. Always stay alert when crossing the street, even if you have the right of way. Pay particular attention to electric scooters and e-bikes—they are extremely common, almost silent, and may approach from either direction, including on cycle lanes and sometimes sidewalks. Before crossing, take a quick look both ways and avoid walking while looking at your phone.
🗣️ Small talks
这个可以骑吗？(Zhège kěyǐ qí ma?)→ Can I use this bike?
怎么解锁？(Zěnme jiěsuǒ?)→ How do I unlock it?
停在哪里？(Tíng zài nǎlǐ?)→ Where can I park it?
这个坏了(Zhège huài le)→ This one is broken.
我不会用这个(Wǒ bú huì yòng zhège)→ I don’t know how to use this.
Metro
(地铁 – dìtiě): The Most Reliable Way to Get Around
💡 Useful Tips
Don’t hesitate to use the metro
The metro is one of the best ways to understand how Chengdu is organized. It also gives you constant exposure to Chinese characters and spoken Mandarin, making every journey a learning opportunity. If you’re naturally curious, it’s also a great place to practice active listening by following the conversations around you.
Choose your exit carefully
Many metro stations in Chengdu are very large and have multiple exits. Picking the right one can save you several minutes and help you avoid crossing busy intersections. The correct exit is almost always indicated in Amap, so it’s worth checking before you arrive.
💰 Price: Approximately 2–7 RMB (most journeys)
🕑 Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
👉 How to use: Scan a QR code when entering and leaving the station.
💬 Language: Announcements are made in both Chinese and English, and every station sign includes pinyin.
✔️ Security: A security check is required before entering the station.
✅ Most stations have public toilets and often a small convenience store.
✅ Like most public transport in Chengdu, the metro is considered very safe, especially compared with many European cities.
✅ Your fare is deducted automatically after your journey—no need to top up before travelling.
⚙️ How it works:
→Pass the security check:
→ Place your backpack or bag on the X-ray scanner.
→ Hand your water bottle or reusable bottle directly to the security officer for inspection.
→ Open Alipay and select “Transport” (top centre-right of the screen).
→ Make sure the selected city is Chengdu.
→ Tap 前往使用 (qiánwǎng shǐyòng – Go to use) to display your QR code.
→ Scan the QR code at both the entrance and exit gates.
⚠️ Good to know
👉 The first construction work began in 2005. Since then, Chengdu’s metro network has expanded rapidly and now includes 17 metro lines (including one tram line), covering approximately 721 km and serving 449 stations.
👉In the long term, the network is expected to grow to 46 lines with a total length of 2,450 km. Today, it is one of the most modern metro systems in China, featuring automated trains and predominantly underground stations..
🗣️ Small talks
这条线去春熙路吗？(Zhè tiáo xiàn qù Chūnxīlù ma?)→ Does this line go to Chunxi Road?
我要换线吗？(Wǒ yào huàn xiàn ma?)→ Do I need to change lines?
在哪一站下车？(Zài nǎ yí zhàn xià chē?)→ Which station should I get off at?
出口在哪里？(Chūkǒu zài nǎlǐ?)→ Where is the exit?
