Interesting, I didn't think you could pay directly via Alipay or Wechat. Most cities you can use chengchema/dachema mini-apps in Wechat to generate the QR code

Interesting, I didn't think you could pay directly via Alipay or Wechat. Most cities you can use chengchema/dachema mini-apps in Wechat to generate the QR codes, but also all the old smartcards I had from previous trips worked in their various cities (but only work in that city) and usually had slightly cheaper fares than the QR-code ones, which were the same as the cash price to buy a single-use ticket. But yeah, the bag checking is annoying in China. Shanghai is very relaxed compared to everywhere else - most places you even have to have your water bottle scanned to make sure it is actually water, or else take a sip from it.