Shenzhen Metro QR Code Guide: Scan to Enter with WeChat/Alipay — A Hong Kong Resident's Practical Test

Taking the Shenzhen Metro and buses, the most convenient way isn't buying a ticket, but using a mobile transit QR code — scan it at the gate, and the fare is automatically deducted when you exit, just as convenient as Hong Kong's Octopus card. For Hong Kongers, the simplest method is to use the WeChat (WeChat Pay HK) or Alipay (AlipayHK) already on your phone to activate the Shenzhen transit QR code.

Method 1: Activate the Shenzhen Transit QR Code with WeChat

If you use WeChat Pay HK, you can activate it directly:

1. Open WeChat → "Me" → "Services" (or "Pay")
2. Tap "Transport" → choose "Metro" / "Bus"
3. Set the region to Shenzhen → activate the "Shenzhen Tong Transit QR Code"
4. Confirm that WeChat Pay HK will be used for payment; once activated, a QR code will appear
5. When entering the gate or boarding, align it with the scanner; once you hear the "beep", you're through

Method 2: Activate with Alipay

1. Open Alipay (AlipayHK or the mainland version both work) → tap "Transport" on the home page
2. Set the city to "Shenzhen" → activate "Shenzhen Tong" or "Transit QR Code"
3. Follow the prompts to complete identity verification (using your Home Return Permit or Hong Kong ID)
4. Scan the code when exiting the gate, and the fare will be automatically deducted from your linked credit card or balance

Common Questions from Hong Kongers

Can I activate it without a mainland phone number?

Using WeChat Pay HK / AlipayHK to activate the transit QR code does not require a mainland phone number — you can register with a Hong Kong number. However, some features (such as the mainland version of WeChat Pay) do require a mainland number. For details, see the SIM card guide.

Are there any discounts?

Shenzhen Metro itself offers "cumulative discounts": after you spend a certain amount in a month, you get a discount. The specifics are subject to official announcements from Shenzhen Tong. Alipay and WeChat frequently run transit coupon promotions, so keep an eye out after activation.

What if the fare isn't deducted when I exit?

If the network is unstable when you exit and your account isn't charged, your transit QR code may get "locked." The solution: look for "Make-up Entry" or "Trip History" in the app to manually settle the payment, or visit the metro station's customer service center. Remember to keep your network stable and regularly check for any incomplete trips.

Tips

• Activate in advance before you head out — don't wait until you're at the gate to fumble with your phone
• Make sure your phone has network access before entering the gate (you can enable roaming or buy a mainland data SIM card)
• One transit QR code can be used multiple times a day, so no need to buy tickets
• Some bus routes require you to "scan once when boarding" — remember to scan again when getting off (for section-based fares)
• Family members travelling together can each activate the code on their own phones, or add a "Family Code" within the same app

Want to know what other essential apps you need for travelling in Shenzhen? Check out the Amap tutorial and the Essential apps overview for cross-border trips.