Hangzhou Transportation Card: Metro & Bus Guide | Trip.com

Planning a trip to Hangzhou from Malaysia? Whether you're getting ready to explore West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Hefang Street, or need to travel from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to the city center, it's essential to understand the public transportation payment methods in Hangzhou.

When getting around Hangzhou, there are three common options for tourists: the physical Hangzhou Tong card, the transport function of the Hangzhou Citizen Card, and Alipay/WeChat transit codes. For Malaysian tourists visiting Hangzhou for a short trip, the most convenient option is usually the Alipay or WeChat transit QR code; if you prefer not to rely on an internet connection, you might also consider getting a Hangzhou Tong card.

This guide to Hangzhou's transit cards will cover everything you need to know: what the Hangzhou Tong is, the difference between the Hangzhou Citizen Card and the Hangzhou Tong, how international tourists can ride the Hangzhou metro and buses, and how to purchase, top up, use, and return your Hangzhou Tong. Plus, we've included some practical travel tips for visitors from Malaysia!

What is the Hangzhou Pass?

The Hangzhou Tong is a popular card for transportation and city services in Hangzhou, primarily used for public transit and select consumer scenarios across the city. According to the Hangzhou Citizen Card online service portal, the Hangzhou Tong series of cards can be purchased and topped up at designated service points. These cards typically feature an electronic wallet function and may also include options for monthly discount passes.

Simply put, the Hangzhou Tong is like Hangzhou's version of a transit stored-value card. It functions similarly to Malaysia's Touch 'n Go, but is primarily designed for use within Hangzhou's local transportation system.

Where can I use the Hangzhou Tong?

Common use cases for the Hangzhou Tong include:

🚇 Hangzhou Metro
🚌 Hangzhou Bus
🚲 Hangzhou Public Bikes
⛴️ Selected Water Buses/Water Transport
🚕 Selected taxis
🏪 Selected convenience stores or designated spending scenarios
🅿️ Selected parking lots or urban service locations

For tourists, the most common modes of transport are the Hangzhou Metro, buses, and public bicycles.

What is the Hangzhou Citizen Card?

Many tourists often confuse the "Hangzhou Tong" card with the "Hangzhou Citizen Card." While they are related, they are not exactly the same thing.

The Hangzhou Citizen Card is primarily designed for local residents or those living in Hangzhou long-term, offering a more comprehensive range of functions, such as public transportation, government services, healthcare, shopping, and daily living services. In contrast, the Hangzhou Tong is more focused on transportation and everyday spending, making it easier for tourists to think of it simply as a "Hangzhou transit card."

Local media in Hangzhou has also noted that once the public transit function or electronic wallet is activated on the Hangzhou Citizen Card, it can be used for public transportation.

Do Malaysian tourists need to apply for a Hangzhou Citizen Card?

Generally speaking, short-term visitors don't need to go through the trouble of getting a Hangzhou Citizen Card. If you're only visiting Hangzhou for 3–7 days, you'll find the following options much more convenient:

• Short-term travel: Alipay/WeChat transit codes
• Don't want to rely on mobile data? Get the Hangzhou Tong physical card
• For long-term stays, studying, or working: Consider the Hangzhou Citizen Card services.

Why do Malaysian travelers need to know about the Hangzhou Pass?

Hangzhou is a popular tourist destination in China and a key transportation hub in the Yangtze River Delta. The Hangzhou Metro network covers major areas, including the vicinity of West Lake, the city center, Hangzhou East Railway Station, Hangzhou Railway Station, Hangzhou South Railway Station, and Xiaoshan International Airport. For Malaysian travelers visiting Hangzhou for the first time, mastering the public transportation payment methods can save you a lot of time.

The Benefits of Using Hangzhou Tong or Transit Codes

✔ No need to queue for single-trip tickets every time
✔ More convenient transfers between subway and bus
✔ Perfect for getting around between West Lake, the city center, the airport, and the high-speed railway station.
✔ Physical cards work even without an internet connection
✔ Mobile transit QR codes are perfect for traveling light
✔ Avoid the hassle of carrying loose change for the bus

If you're already used to using Touch ‘n Go, GrabPay, or other e-wallets in Malaysia, you'll find it a breeze to get the hang of Alipay, WeChat transit codes, or the Hangzhou Tong card while exploring Hangzhou.

What is the most recommended payment method for public transport in Hangzhou for Malaysian tourists?

For travelers from Malaysia, the recommended order is as follows:

Top Recommendation: Alipay Transit Code

Alipay is relatively friendly to foreign tourists. Starting in 2024, the Alipay transit code has been upgraded in Hangzhou and several other inbound tourism cities, allowing international users to register for transit codes using their foreign mobile numbers and complete the necessary verification with documents like their passports.

Perfect for:

• First time traveling to China
• Don't have a Chinese bank card
• Use a Malaysian mobile number
• Want to use your phone to scan and ride the subway and bus?
• I don't want to get a physical card

Second recommendation: WeChat Transit Code

If you're already using WeChat Pay, you can also activate the Hangzhou bus or subway transit code directly within WeChat. Hangzhou's subway system currently supports QR code payments via Alipay, WeChat, the public transit app, and more.

Perfect for:

• WeChat Pay is already enabled
• Frequently use WeChat
• Looking to handle chatting, payments, and travel all in one app

Recommendation #3: Hangzhou Tong Physical Card

If you're worried about your phone running out of battery, spotty internet, or just don't want the hassle of opening an app to scan a QR code every time, the physical Hangzhou Tong card is a great alternative.

Perfect for:

• Don't want to rely on mobile data?
• Traveling with seniors or children
• Planning a longer stay in Hangzhou
• I love the tap-and-go experience of a physical card

How do I apply for a physical Hangzhou Tong card?

A large body of water with a city in the background Via Unsplash (by JinHui CHEN)

The Hangzhou Tong General Card is designed for general users. According to local service information, you can apply for the card at Citizen Card service centers, designated bus top-up locations, city investment business halls, and subway stations. A card deposit is typically required upon application.

Where can I get a Hangzhou Pass?

Common locations for processing include:

📍 Hangzhou Citizen Card Service Locations
📍 Designated Public Transport Top-up Locations
📍 Selected subway station service counters
📍 Chengtou Service Center
📍 Selected self-service card vending and top-up machines

The most convenient way for tourists is usually to head to the customer service center at a major subway station and ask about getting a physical Hangzhou Tong card.

What do I need to apply for a Hangzhou Pass?

It is generally recommended to prepare:

• Passport
• CNY Cash
• Alipay or WeChat Pay
• Mobile number
• A small amount of Chinese explanation

You can say to the staff:

"Hello, I would like to apply for a Hangzhou Tong transit card."

How much does it cost to get a Hangzhou Pass?

The specific requirements may vary depending on the card type and channel. Some local information indicates that a card deposit of approximately 15 RMB is required when applying for the Hangzhou Tong General Card.

Recommended budget:

Card deposit: approx. RMB 15–20
First-time top-up: RMB 50–100
Short-term trips: From RMB 50
About a week: RMB 100–150 is safer

How long does the processing take?

If there's no queue at the counter, it usually takes 5–10 minutes to complete. During peak hours, holidays, or at busy subway stations, it might take longer.

How do I top up my Hangzhou Tong card?

The Hangzhou Tong card can be topped up repeatedly. According to the Hangzhou Citizen Card online service portal, Hangzhou Tong cards can be purchased and topped up at designated service locations.

Common Top-Up Methods

🚇 Subway Station Self-Service Kiosk
👨‍💼 Subway Station Customer Service Center
🚌 Bus Top-up Point
🏢 Citizen Card Service Locations
📱 Hangzhou Citizen Card App
🏪 Selected convenience stores or designated locations

Recommended Top-Up Amount

If you're planning a short trip to Hangzhou from Malaysia, check out these tips:

2–3 days: RMB 30–50
3–5 days: RMB 50–100
5–7 days: RMB 100–150
Planning to take the subway and bus frequently: RMB 150+

If you're primarily staying near West Lake and visiting nearby attractions, your transportation costs won't be too high. However, if you need to frequently travel between the airport, high-speed railway station, Olympic Sports Center, Binjiang, Xiaoshan, and other areas, you might want to top up your card a bit more.

How do I use the Hangzhou Tong card on the Hangzhou subway?

Taking the Hangzhou Metro is super easy, just like in other Chinese cities.

How to Tap In and Out of the Subway

1. Entering the subway station
2. Find the entry gate
3. Place your Hangzhou Tong on the card reader.
4. Enter the station once the gate opens
5. Please tap your card again to exit when you reach your destination.
6. The system automatically calculates and deducts the fare based on distance.

Hangzhou Metro fares are based on distance, with some travel information indicating a starting fare of RMB 2.

Subway Travel Tips

• Don't forget to tap out when you exit, not just tap in when you enter.
• If you are unable to exit the station, please contact the service center for assistance.
• During peak hours, try to avoid busy stations like Hangzhou East Railway Station, Wulin Square, Fengqi Road, and Longxiangqiao.
• If you're heading to West Lake, we recommend keeping an eye on stations like Longxiangqiao, Fengqi Road, and Ding'an Road.

How do I use the Hangzhou Tong card on Hangzhou buses?

Hangzhou's bus network is extensive, making it perfect for reaching attractions, neighborhoods, and local areas that aren't directly accessible by subway.

How to Tap Your Card on the Bus

1. Tap your Hangzhou Tong on the card reader after boarding the bus.
2. You may take your seat or stand once you hear the chime.
3. For some routes, you may need to tap your card again when getting off the bus.
4. If you're unsure, feel free to observe the local passengers or simply ask the driver.

Tips for Taking Buses in Hangzhou

• Some buses do not provide change.
• If paying with cash, please have small change ready.
• It might get crowded during peak hours.
• Most station names are in Chinese, so we recommend using a map app to help you get around.
• Check the direction before boarding to avoid heading the wrong way.

You can use QR codes for both buses and subways in Hangzhou. According to local media, you can easily ride the subway by scanning transit codes directly via Alipay, WeChat, or the public transit app.

How to use the Alipay transit QR code for subways and buses in Hangzhou?

For travelers from Malaysia, the Alipay transit code is likely the most convenient way to get around.

Steps to Activate the Alipay Hangzhou Transit Code

1. Download the Alipay app
2. Sign up with a Malaysian mobile number
3. Link an international bank card
4. Complete Identity Verification
5. Open "Transport" on the homepage.
6. Select city "Hangzhou"
7. Activate Hangzhou Subway or Bus Transit Code
8. Open the QR code to scan when boarding

The Alipay transit code has been upgraded to support foreign mobile numbers for rides in multiple cities, including Hangzhou—a super handy feature for travelers from Malaysia!

Things to Know When Using the Alipay Transit Code

You need to scan the QR code both when entering and exiting the station.
Your phone needs to be charged.
We recommend setting this up in advance; don't wait until you're at the gate to configure it.
If you can't find the ride code in the English interface, try switching to the Chinese interface.
Before linking your bank card, please confirm that it supports international online payments.

How to use the WeChat transit code to get around Hangzhou?

If you prefer using WeChat, you can also activate the Hangzhou transit code directly through the app.

Steps to Activate the WeChat Transit Code

1. Open WeChat
2. Confirm that WeChat Pay is enabled
3. Search for "Transit Code" or go to "Services/Payment"
4. Select city "Hangzhou"
5. Activate Bus or Subway Transit Code
6. Present your QR code to scan when boarding

Who is WeChat suitable for?

For those who have already used WeChat Pay in China
For those who need to stay in touch with their hotel, driver, and friends via WeChat
For those who want to handle both communication and payments in a single app

However, for first-time travelers from Malaysia visiting China, the travel payment experience on Alipay is generally more intuitive.

Can I return the Hangzhou Tong card for a refund?

Yes, you can, but please pay attention to the card type, card status, and the application channel.

According to the Hangzhou Tong card usage guidelines, if the card is in good condition and you can provide a valid ID, you can apply for a card return and refund. The card deposit can be refunded upon return, though refunds for the e-wallet balance may be subject to a service fee. You can process your card return and refund at any Citizen Card service location.

Card Return Locations

Common locations for card returns include:

Hangzhou Citizen Card Service Locations
Designated Transit Card Service Locations
Selected subway stations or bus service counters

What do I need to prepare for a card return?

Hangzhou Tong Physical Card
Passport or valid ID
Relevant documentation from when you applied for the card, if available
Keep the card in good condition

Important Notes on Card Returns

If the card is damaged, the deposit may not be refundable.
If you activate the public bike feature, you may need to handle the bike deposit first.
Balances topped up via vouchers may not be directly refundable as cash.
Be sure to take care of this before you leave Hangzhou—don't wait until you're rushing to catch your flight to return your card!

If you're just here for a short trip and don't want the hassle of returning a card, using the Alipay/WeChat transit code is much easier.

Can I use the Hangzhou Tong card for Hangzhou public bicycles?

Hangzhou was one of the first cities in China to develop a public bicycle system. While the Hangzhou Tong and Citizen Card accounts can be used for some public bike services, visitors should double-check if they need to activate specific features or pay a deposit before hopping on a bike.

If you're only visiting Hangzhou for a short trip, we recommend the following options:

Walking tour of West Lake
Subway + Walking
Use the bike-sharing app
Take a taxi to attractions further away

Cycling Tips Around West Lake

Some areas of the West Lake scenic spot are crowded.
The cycling experience might be just average during holidays.
Check whether cycling is permitted in the core areas of the scenic spot.
Please do not park shared bikes indiscriminately.
Cycling is not recommended on rainy days.

Hangzhou Tong vs. Alipay Transit Code: Which is Better for Tourists?

The physical Hangzhou Tong card is perfect for:

Don't want to rely on mobile data?
Worried about your phone running out of battery?
Traveling with seniors and children
Longer stay
I prefer the experience of tapping a physical card

Alipay/WeChat transit codes are perfect for:

Short-term travelers
Don't have a Chinese bank card
Get used to mobile payments
Don't want to get a card or need to return one?
Hoping to travel light

The bottom line

If you're traveling from Malaysia to Hangzhou for a 3–5 day trip:
👉 Top Choice: Alipay Transit Code

If you don't want to rely on mobile data or your phone:
👉 Get your physical Hangzhou Tong card

If you are living, studying, or working in Hangzhou long-term:
👉 Learn more about the Hangzhou Citizen Card and the Citizen Card App

Practical Travel Tips for Malaysian Tourists in Hangzhou 🇲🇾✈️🇨🇳

📶 1. Get your China-ready internet sorted in advance

When traveling in Hangzhou, having reliable internet access is essential. Whether you're checking maps, using translation apps, scanning QR codes for public transport, making mobile payments, or hailing a ride to an attraction, you'll need a stable mobile connection.

Recommended pre-departure preparations:

📱 China eSIM
🌐 International Roaming Data
📶 China Travel SIM Card

💡 Quick Tip:
Some international apps may be unstable in China, so we recommend preparing local map, payment, and translation tools in advance.

💳 2. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay in advance

City life in China is highly dependent on mobile payments, and Hangzhou is no exception. We recommend that Malaysian travelers set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before departure to make getting around much easier once you arrive.

Before you set off, you can take care of these:

✅ Download Alipay or WeChat
✅ Sign up using a Malaysian mobile number
✅ Link an international bank card
✅ Passport verification complete
✅ Testing if payment is successful
✅ Activate Hangzhou Subway/Bus Transit Code

💡 Quick Tip:
We recommend setting up Alipay first, as its transportation, payment, and travel features are generally more user-friendly for international tourists.

🚇 3. It's much more convenient to stay near a subway station

If you're visiting Hangzhou for the first time, we recommend booking accommodation near a subway station. This will save you plenty of time whether you're heading to West Lake, Hangzhou East Railway Station, Xiaoshan International Airport, or the downtown shopping districts.

Recommended areas to stay:

🏞️ West Lake Lakeside Business District
🏙️ Wulin Square
🚄 Near Hangzhou East Railway Station
🌆 Qianjiang New Town
🌉 Binjiang District
✈️ Around Xiaoshan Airport

💡 Quick Tip:
It's best to choose a hotel within a 5–10 minute walk of a subway station, which is especially convenient for first-time visitors to Hangzhou.

⏰ 4. Avoid morning and evening rush hours

Hangzhou is a popular tourist destination and a city with a large commuting population. During morning and evening rush hours, the metro and buses can get quite crowded, and you may need to queue at popular stations.

Best to avoid:

🌅 Morning Rush Hour: 7:30 AM–9:30 AM
🌆 Evening Rush Hour: 5:30 PM–7:30 PM

Popular spots that tend to get crowded include:

🚄 Hangzhou East Railway Station
🏙️ Wulin Square
🛍️ Fengqi Road
🌊 Longxiangqiao
🏟️ Olympic Sports Center

💡 Quick Tip:
If you're heading to the airport or high-speed railway station, we recommend allowing extra time, especially during holidays and weekends.

🏞️ 5. The best way to explore around West Lake is by "Subway + Walking"

The area around the West Lake scenic spot can get quite busy with both foot and vehicle traffic, making taxis sometimes less convenient than the subway. We recommend taking the subway to the vicinity of West Lake and then continuing to your destination on foot or by transferring to a bus.

The subway stations that are convenient for visiting West Lake include:

🚇 Longxiangqiao Station
🚇 Fengqi Road Station
🚇 Ding'an Road Station

Popular attractions include:

🌉 Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge
🌿 Su Causeway
🏯 Leifeng Pagoda
🌸 Willow Waves and Orioles Singing
🛶 West Lake Cruise
🏮 Hefang Street
🏛️ Southern Song Imperial Street
🙏 Lingyin Temple

💡 Quick Tip:
West Lake is huge, so we don't recommend trying to see everything in a single day. It's better to plan your route by area—try focusing on the Lakeside, Su Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda, or Lingyin Temple districts.

🗺️ 6. Save the address in Chinese beforehand

When taking a taxi, asking for directions, checking into a hotel, or looking for attractions in Hangzhou, having the address in Chinese is essential. Drivers or staff may not always be familiar with English addresses.

We recommend saving this in advance:

🏨 Hotel Name in Chinese
📍 Hotel Address in Chinese
🚇 Name of the nearest subway station
🏞️ Attraction Name (Chinese)
🍜 Restaurant Name (Chinese)
✈️ Airport/Station Names in Chinese

💡 Quick Tip:
You can take screenshots of frequently used addresses and save them to your phone's photo gallery. This way, you can easily show them to drivers or staff, even if you don't have a stable internet connection.

🚕 7. We recommend using official ride-hailing platforms

If your destination is a bit far from the subway station, or if you're traveling with luggage, you can easily hail a ride using a ride-hailing app or the ride-hailing features within Alipay or WeChat.

When it's best to take a taxi:

🧳 Traveling with large luggage
🌧️ Rainy Days
🌙 Night Travel
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Traveling with seniors or children
📍 The destination is a bit far from the subway station

💡 Quick Tip:
For pickup and drop-off, try to choose locations like hotel entrances, shopping mall entrances, or subway station exits—it makes it much easier for your driver to find you.

🧳 8. Allow extra time for airport and high-speed rail travel

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Hangzhou East Railway Station, and Hangzhou Railway Station are all major transportation hubs frequently used by travelers. Expect larger crowds during holidays, morning and evening rush hours, and on weekends.

Recommended time to set aside:

✈️ Heading to the airport: Leave at least 2.5–3 hours in advance
🚄 Heading to the high-speed railway station: Arrive at least 1–1.5 hours in advance
🧳 Traveling with luggage: Allow an extra 20–30 minutes

💡 Quick Tip:
Hangzhou East Railway Station is quite massive, so you'll need extra time to navigate through the entrance, security checks, and finding your boarding gate. If it's your first time visiting, we highly recommend setting off a little earlier!

🌦️ 9. Plan your transportation based on the weather

Hangzhou's changing weather can really shape your travel experience. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are damp and chilly, making spring and autumn the perfect seasons for walking and cycling around the city.

Tips for different weather conditions:

☀️ Sunny days: Perfect for exploring West Lake by subway + on foot
🌧️ Rainy days: Prioritize the subway or ride-hailing
🥵 Summer: Avoid long walks and remember to protect yourself from the sun.
🥶 Winter: Pack a jacket, as it gets quite windy by the West Lake.
🌸 Spring and Autumn: Perfect for walking, cycling, and boat tours

💡 Quick Tip:
Before heading to outdoor attractions like West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Nine Creeks, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast first.

🗣️ 10. Have a translation app ready to bridge any language gaps

While Hangzhou's tourist areas feature a fair amount of English signage, you'll find that daily transportation, bus stops, service counters, and local restaurants are still primarily in Chinese.

Recommended preparations:

📱 Translation App
📸 Photo Translation Feature
📝 Common Chinese Phrases
🗺️ Screenshot of the map in Chinese

Common Chinese phrases:

"Excuse me, where is the subway station?"
"I'm heading to West Lake."
"Can I use Alipay?"
"Does this bus go to Lingyin Temple?"
"Please take me to this address."

💡 Quick Tip:
If you don't speak Chinese, you can simply show the staff the Chinese name of your destination or a screenshot of the map; they are usually happy to help!

Summary: Should Malaysian travelers to Hangzhou choose the Hangzhou Pass or the ride code?

For travelers heading to Hangzhou from Malaysia, the city's public transport system is incredibly convenient. You can opt for a physical Hangzhou Tong card, or simply use Alipay or WeChat transit codes to get around with ease.

If you're looking for the simplest and most flexible way:
👉 Using the Alipay Hangzhou Transit Code

If you don't want to rely on your phone or mobile data:
👉 Get your physical Hangzhou Tong card

If you're planning a longer stay in Hangzhou:
👉 Get to know the Hangzhou Citizen Card and the Citizen Card App

No matter which method you choose, Hangzhou's metro and bus systems make it easy to reach popular spots like West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou East Railway Station, Xiaoshan International Airport, Wulin Square, and Qianjiang New City.