Beijing subway enhances payment services for international travelers with new tap-and-go system

Beijing continues to enhance the quality and efficiency of payment services for international travelers by launching a new foreign bankcard service, allowing passengers to enter and exit subway stations with just a quick tap.

The city's subway network has introduced point-of-sale (POS) machines and an innovative card-tap service specifically designed for international travelers. With just a quick tap of a bank card, the system automatically calculates and charges the fare, streamlining the process and making it more convenient than ever.

Currently, Beijing's rail transit network, consisting of 28 operational lines -- 27 subway lines and one suburban rail line -- offers POS machines for ticket purchases. These machines are compatible with financial IC cards and magnetic stripe cards issued by overseas banks, including six types of international cards such as Visa and MasterCard.

International visitors who prefer mobile payments can also link their international credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, to Alipay or WeChat Pay to buy tickets.

"It's lovely because I don't have to download any application, I don't have to deal with the service of subway. I just as I do in Paris with my credit card. I just by visa card, just pass by the counter and pass to the train," said an international traveler at a Beijing subway station.

Beijing Rail Transit is rolling out tap-and-go payments with foreign bank cards this year, in an effort to further enhance its payment services.

Once passengers enter, the payment is processed through the card issuer as the system verifies it in real-time.

In addition, Beijing has introduced a prepaid card, known as the "Beijing Pass," which allows foreign passengers to access over 1,700 bus routes, 28 rail lines, and more than 20,000 taxis.

China has upgraded its payment services nationwide to simplify travel for overseas visitors in various settings, including hotels, airports, banks, tourist attractions, and now subways.

With the rising popularity of China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy, a growing number of overseas travelers are visiting the country for up to six days.

The enhanced payment services are now making their travel experience more convenient and hassle-free.

Beijing subway enhances payment services for international travelers with new tap-and-go system

The first group of China's 41st Antarctic expedition team has arrived at Qinling Station in Antarctica, the country's fifth research station on the continent.

The station, located on the Inexpressible Island in the Ross Sea, was officially inaugurated in February. Covering an area of 5,244 square meters, the station is in a shape resembling the Southern Cross constellation, a unique design to honor Zheng He, a legendary admiral, navigator and diplomat in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The first group of the team consists of 34 individuals with expertise in management, security, and construction. Upon arriving at the Qinling Station, they immediately began operations, deploying three excavators, two loaders, and two 100 kW generators. By the end of the day, the station's power supply function had been largely restored.

"After standing through the entire winter, the main building of Qinling Station remains intact, with its structure confirmed to be safe and reliable. Next, we will implement projects involving new energy systems and outdoor pipelines to make comprehensive preparations for the deployment of various systems," said Wang Zhechao, chief of the Qinling Station.

China's 41st Antarctic expedition team set off from Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov 1, taking the research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, as well as cargo vessel Yong Sheng.

In the coming months, researchers will build the supporting infrastructure for the Qinling Station, investigate the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem, and conduct international research and logistics cooperation.

First group of China's 41st Antarctic expedition team arrives at Qinling Station