Shared Bikes & Short Trips
How to unlock the shared bikes parked on every corner — through Alipay, no separate app needed — plus how shared power bank kiosks keep your phone alive between rides.
The short version
Shared bikes are everywhere in Chinese cities — orange (Meituan), blue (HelloRide/Hello Bike), and teal-green (Qingju/DiDi) — and they are the best way to cover the last 1–2 km the metro doesn't. Don't download the standalone bike apps: just open Alipay's Scan function on the bike's QR code and it unlocks through Alipay directly, billed to whatever card you have linked. Rides cost about ¥1.5–2.5 per 15–30 minutes.
Unlock a bike in 30 seconds
- Set up Alipay first
You need a working Alipay account with a foreign card linked (see the Alipay setup article). That single account covers Meituan, Hello, and Qingju bikes — no separate registrations.
- Scan the QR code
Tap Scan in Alipay and point it at the QR plate on the handlebars or rear fender. The brand's mini-program opens; confirm and the lock pops open. Amap can also scan bikes.
- Check the bike before you commit
Squeeze both brakes, spin the pedals, glance at the tires. Broken bikes are common — if anything feels off, lock it again and scan the next one. There is always a next one.
- Ride on the bike lane
Most streets have a dedicated bike/scooter lane. Watch for silent electric scooters — they come from every direction.
- Park in the painted box, then lock
End your ride only in designated parking areas (white-painted boxes on the sidewalk, marked in the app's map). Close the manual lock or tap End Ride; the fare settles automatically.
What about deposits and ID checks?
The current reality
- Through Alipay, most users ride deposit-free — Alipay's credit system (Sesame Credit) replaces the old ¥99–199 deposits. If a deposit prompt appears, back out and scan via Alipay instead of a standalone app.
- The standalone Meituan/Hello apps require a Chinese-style ID verification (passport photo upload) and can be slow to approve foreigners — another reason to stick with Alipay scanning.
- An international phone number that receives SMS is enough for the Alipay route.
Shared power banks: the other QR-code rental
Your phone is your wallet, map, translator, and ticket in China — a dead battery is a real problem. The fix is everywhere: shared power bank kiosks (共享充电宝) sit in malls, restaurants, metro stations, cafes, and convenience stores. The chargers have built-in USB-C, Lightning, and USB-A cables, so they work with any phone.
Renting a power bank
- Scan the kiosk
Open Alipay or WeChat, scan the QR code on the kiosk, and a charged power bank pops out. With Alipay Sesame Credit above ~550, no deposit is required.
- Know the price
Typically ¥3–4 per 30 minutes, more in airports and tourist zones (up to ¥6–8). Daily cap around ¥30–40.
- Return it to ANY kiosk of the same brand
Push it back into a free slot at any kiosk of the same brand, in any city — green light means returned. Big brands: Monster Charge (怪兽充电), Jiedian (街电), Xiaodian (小电), Meituan.
Common questions
Bikes
Do I need the Meituan or Hello app?
No. Scanning any bike's QR code from inside Alipay handles unlocking, billing, and ending the ride. The standalone apps add a passport-verification step you can skip entirely.
How much does a typical ride cost?
Around ¥1.5 to unlock-and-ride for the first 15–30 minutes, then small increments. A 20-minute hop usually lands under ¥3.
Are helmets provided?
No, and locals rarely wear them on pedal bikes. Ride defensively, especially around e-scooters and at intersections.
Power banks
What if the kiosk where I rented is full or far away?
Return at any kiosk of the same brand nationwide — the app's map shows nearby kiosks with free slots. You never have to go back to the original one.