Shanghai Metro embraces global tourists with Visa tap-to-ride

Shanghai's metro system has become an increasingly popular choice among international tourists, with passengers from 140 countries and regions using Visa's tap-to-ride service since its launch on June 28.

The introduction of the Visa function allows visitors to access the city's extensive metro network simply by tapping their Visa chip cards, offering seamless entry to 21 lines and 517 stations.

As one of the world's busiest urban rail systems, Shanghai Metro handles over 77 percent of the city's public transportation.

Visa data indicates that Shanghai leads the country in inbound tourism spending, contributing 33 percent of the national total. Of this, 19 percent is spent on travel, 5 percent on transportation, 45 percent on daily consumption, and 3 percent on major purchases.

Experts attribute the growth in tourism spending to China's expanding visa-free policies and the creation of a more accessible cross-border payment environment.

In response, Shanghai has actively been promoting integrated experiences to attract global visitors.

Between Dec 17, 2024, and Dec 17, 2025, the Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection processed 72,000 foreign visitors under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy introduced by the National Immigration Administration.

The city has also expanded foreign card acceptance along key tourist routes, reinforcing its efforts to deliver a more convenient and welcoming travel experience for international visitors.