Quick Answer
The fastest and most reliable way to get from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport to downtown is the Shenzhen Metro Airport Express (Line 11) (30-40 minutes, 7-10 RMB). It bypasses Shenzhen's notorious traffic and takes you directly to Futian CBD. For families of 3-4 with luggage: DiDi or taxi (40-70 minutes, 80-150 RMB, metered). For late-night arrivals (after 11:30 PM): Pre-book a private transfer or taxi, as the metro stops. Avoid the "black taxis" and touts in the arrivals hall offering fixed prices of 200-300 RMB - they're a scam.
Shenzhen Metro Airport Line 11 (Express) to Downtown
Taking the Shenzhen Metro Line 11 from Bao'an Airport to downtown is the top recommendation for 90% of travelers. The airport station is located within Terminal 3, just an 8-10 minute walk from baggage claim. This express line travels at 140km/h with only 4-5 stops to Futian CBD, making it the fastest transport from SZX to Shenzhen city center, especially during rush hours when Shenzhen's roads are gridlocked. At 7-10 RMB, it's also incredibly cheap. The trains are modern, clean, and have dedicated luggage areas.
| Transport Option | Travel Time | Approximate Cost | Best For | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen Metro Line 11 | 30-40 mins | 7-10 RMB ($1-1.4) | Almost everyone, especially solo/duo | Last train ~11:30 PM, some stairs with luggage |
| Taxi (Metered) | 40-70 mins | 80-150 RMB ($11-21) | Families (3-4), groups, heavy luggage | Massive traffic jams during rush hour |
| DiDi (Ride-hail) | 40-70 mins | 70-140 RMB ($10-20) | Tech-savvy, have Chinese SIM/payment | Need app setup, pick-up zone walk |
| Airport Shuttle Bus | 60-90 mins | 15-25 RMB ($2-3.5) | Specific destinations, late night (some lines) | Slow, subject to traffic, may need transfer |
| Private Transfer | 40-60 mins | 200-350 RMB ($28-50) | Late night, corporate, families, luxury | Most expensive, needs pre-booking |
How to Find the Metro Station in Terminal 3
After collecting luggage at Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Terminal 3, follow the clear blue signs with the metro "M" logo and "Line 11" indicators. You'll need to go up one level via escalator or elevator to the departures level, then follow signs to the metro entrance. The walk takes 8-12 minutes. The station is integrated into the terminal building - you never go outside. Signs are in Chinese and English. While well-signed, the sheer size of T3 means it's easy to get disoriented. If lost, ask staff "地铁在哪里?" (Where is the metro?).
Buying Tickets & Using the Metro
Three easy options: 1) Single Journey Token: Buy from vending machines (English interface) using cash (5/10 RMB notes) or scan Alipay/WeChat QR code. 2) Shenzhen Tong Card: Not worth for single trip. 3) Alipay/WeChat Pay: Use the "Shenzhen Metro" mini-program to generate a QR code to scan at the gate - the fastest method. 4) Contactless Bank Cards: Some gates accept UnionPay contactless cards. I strongly recommend setting up Alipay before arrival. Watching tourists struggle with cash machines while locals breeze through with QR codes is a common scene.
Metro Route & Key Downtown Stops
Line 11 runs east from the airport. Key stops for travelers: Airport Station (机场站) (Terminal 3), Airport North (机场北) (Terminal 4, for some domestic flights), Qianhaiwan (前海湾) (MAJOR transfer to Lines 1, 5, 11 regular branch), Nanshan (南山) (Nanshan tech district), Houhai (后海) (Shenzhen Bay, transfer to Line 2), Chegongmiao (车公庙) (near Tencent, transfer to Lines 1, 7, 9), Futian (福田) (CBD center, transfer to Line 2, 3, 8, 11 regular). The express service skips some stations - check the train display.
Taxi from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport to City Center
Taking a taxi from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport to downtown offers door-to-door convenience, ideal for those with heavy luggage or families. The official taxi queue is at Terminal 3 (follow "Taxi" signs). The metered fare to Futian CBD is 80-150 RMB, plus 30% midnight surcharge (10:00 PM - 6:00 AM). The journey takes 40-70 minutes, heavily dependent on Shenzhen's notorious traffic congestion. Always ensure the driver uses the meter ("请打表" - please use meter). Avoid touts inside the terminal - they'll quote 200-300 RMB for the same ride.
Finding the Official Taxi Queue
At Terminal 3, follow signs for "Taxi" which will lead you to the ground transportation center. You'll take an elevator or escalator down to the dedicated taxi pick-up level. The queue is organized but can be 20-40 minutes long during peak arrival times (9:00 AM-12:00 PM, 8:00 PM-1:00 AM). Staff manage the line. Have your destination's Chinese address ready. Most drivers don't speak English. Pro tip: The queue for taxis to Dongguan/Huizhou is separate and much shorter - don't get in that line by mistake.
Taxi Fare Breakdown & Surcharges
Flag fall: 12 RMB (first 3 km). 3-12 km: 2.6 RMB/km. Over 12 km: 3.2 RMB/km. The trip to downtown is 25-35 km, so the higher rate applies for part of the journey. Night surcharge (10:00 PM-6:00 AM): +30%. Highway tolls (if taking Yanba Expressway) are paid by passenger (approx. 5-10 RMB). Total to Futian: 80-150 RMB. To Luohu: 100-180 RMB. To Nanshan: 60-120 RMB. Have smaller bills ready; 100 RMB notes are fine but 20s/50s are better.
A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake
You exit baggage claim tired. A well-dressed man approaches: "Taxi? Very good price to Futian, 250 RMB." You think it's only slightly more than the expected 150 RMB and agree. He leads you to an unmarked car. The ride is fine. Upon arrival, he demands 350 RMB, claiming "highway toll" and "late night fee" (it's 8:00 PM). You argue but pay. The official metered fare would have been 110 RMB. You just paid triple. I see this daily at SZX. Always walk to the official taxi queue. The internet warns about touts, but newcomers still fall for it constantly.
DiDi (Chinese Ride-Hailing) from Bao'an Airport
Using DiDi Chuxing at SZX Airport
DiDi Chuxing is a popular alternative to taxis. Fares are similar (70-140 RMB to downtown) but cars are often newer. You must have the DiDi app, a Chinese SIM for verification, and Alipay/WeChat Pay. The international app works with foreign cards but availability is limited. Designated pick-up zones are at T3 (follow "Online Car-hailing" signs). You may need to walk 3-5 minutes. Select your car type (Express, Comfort, Premium). Wait time: 5-15 minutes. During peak times, surge pricing can increase fares by 50-100%.
Advantages & Challenges of Using DiDi
Advantages: Upfront price, cashless, driver navigation via app, often cleaner than taxis. Challenges: Requires stable mobile data. The app can be confusing even in English. Drivers may call (in Chinese) to confirm location. Without a Chinese phone number, verification is nearly impossible. I've helped countless travelers stuck because their foreign number couldn't receive the SMS verification code. Set up DiDi before you arrive in China if possible.
Airport Shuttle Buses to Shenzhen City
Airport shuttle buses (机场快线) are a lower-cost option to specific zones. Tickets cost 15-25 RMB, purchased at counters near exits in T3. Buses run to key areas like Shenzhen Railway Station, Futian, and Shekou. Travel time is 60-90 minutes, heavily subject to traffic. While cheap, I don't actually recommend it for first-time visitors with luggage unless your hotel is at the bus terminus. You'll likely need a taxi from the bus stop, adding cost and hassle. It's best for locals or those on an extreme budget staying near a drop-off point.
Airport Bus Routes & Schedules
Main routes from Bao'an Airport: Line 1: To Shenzhen Railway Station (罗湖) via Futian. Runs 7:00 AM - 1:00 AM, every 20-30 min, 20 RMB. Line 2: To Shekou Cruise Center (蛇口) via Nanshan. Line 3: To Longgang (龙岗). Line 4: To Shenzhen North Railway Station (深圳北站). Schedules are frequent (every 15-20 min) but thin after 10:00 PM. Check electronic boards at counters for next departure.
Who Should Take the Airport Bus?
The bus is suitable for: 1) Solo travelers with one backpack. 2) Those whose hotel is within 5 minutes' walk of a bus terminus. 3) Extreme budget travelers. 4) Late-night arrivals (some lines run past metro closure). Not suitable for: Families with kids and strollers, travelers with large suitcases (limited storage), those going to destinations not near a bus stop, or anyone in a hurry during rush hour.
Private Transfer & Hotel Shuttle Service
Private Airport Transfer Service
Pre-booked private transfers cost 200-350 RMB ($28-50) for a standard sedan. A driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign, helps with luggage, and takes you directly to your hotel. This is the most stress-free option, ideal for late-night arrivals, corporate travel, families with young children, or groups of 3-4. Book via travel sites (Klook, Trip.com) or through your hotel. While expensive, the peace of mind after a long flight is worth it for many.
Hotel Shuttle Buses
Some hotels (higher-end chains and some hostels) offer free or paid shuttle bus service from Shenzhen Airport. This is usually a shared minibus making stops at several hotels. You must reserve in advance by emailing the hotel. Often free for guests or 20-50 RMB. Ask your hotel before booking. This is fantastic if available, as it's direct and navigation-free.
Shenzhen Metro Line 11: Complete Station List (Airport Express)
Understanding the full metro route helps planning. The Airport to Futian section is most important. Here are all stations on Line 11 (Express) from west to east:
- Biyun (碧云) - Western terminus (not near airport).
- Fuhai (福海)
- Qiao Tou (桥头)
- Tangwei (塘尾)
- Machong (马安山)
- Shajing (沙井)
- Houting (后亭)
- Songgang (松岗)
- Biyu (碧玉)
- Airport North (机场北) - For Terminal 4 (domestic flights).
- Airport (机场站) - **MAIN AIRPORT STATION at Terminal 3**. Get on here.
- Futian (福田) - **EASTERN TERMINUS**. CBD center, transfer to Lines 2, 3, 8, 11 regular.
- Chegongmiao (车公庙) - Near Tencent, transfer to Lines 1, 7, 9.
- Nanshan (南山) - Nanshan tech district.
- Qianhaiwan (前海湾) - **MAJOR TRANSFER HUB**. Transfer to Lines 1, 5, 11 regular branch.
- Bao'an (宝安)
- Bihaiwan (碧海湾)
- Airport North (机场北) - (listed again - it's a loop).
Note: Line 11 has an "express" service (airport to Futian directly, some stops skipped) and "regular" service (all stops). From the airport, take any train - all go to downtown quickly. The regular service adds only 5-10 minutes.
How to Navigate Key Transfer Stations
At Qianhaiwan: Huge station. Follow signs carefully for Lines 1 (green, to Luohu/Laojie) or 5 (purple, to Luohu/Bu'ji). At Chegongmiao: Massive complex with 4 lines. Follow color-coded signs. At Futian
Return Trip: Downtown to Bao'an Airport by Metro
Board Line 11 westbound towards Airport/Airport North. Ensure you're on the correct branch - trains display "Airport" or "Airport North". From Futian, the ride is 30-40 minutes. First/last trains: First from Futian to Airport: ~6:20 AM. Last from Futian: ~11:30 PM. If you have a flight before 8:00 AM, do NOT rely on the metro. Take a taxi or DiDi.
Bao'an Airport to Shenzhen Downtown Route Map
The map below shows primary routes from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) to downtown. Metro Line 11 (in dark red) is the backbone, running east to Futian CBD.
View the route on Google Maps: View route from Shenzhen Airport to Futian CBD on Google Maps
View on Baidu Maps: Search 深圳宝安机场 to 福田CBD on Baidu Maps
The distance from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport to Futian city center is approximately 30-35 km (19-22 miles). The metro covers this quickly via express line, while road routes suffer Shenzhen's chronic traffic congestion.
Shenzhen Airport to City: Ticketing, Costs & Payment
| Transport Option | Travel Time | Approximate Cost (RMB) | Payment Methods | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen Metro (Line 11) | 30-40 mins | 7-10 RMB | Alipay/WeChat, Cash, Tokens | Most travelers, especially avoiding traffic |
| Taxi (Metered) | 40-70 mins | 80-150 RMB | Cash, Alipay/WeChat Pay | Families (3-4), groups, heavy luggage |
| DiDi (Ride-hail) | 40-70 mins | 70-140 RMB | Alipay/WeChat Pay (in-app) | Tech-savvy, have Chinese SIM/app |
| Airport Shuttle Bus | 60-90 mins | 15-25 RMB | Cash, Alipay/WeChat at counter | Extreme budget, near bus terminus |
| Private Transfer | 40-60 mins | 200-350 RMB | Credit Card (online booking) | Late night, corporate, families, luxury |
How to Pay: Cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay
Cash (RMB): Accepted everywhere. Have 5, 10, 20 RMB notes. Taxi drivers may not have change for 100 RMB. Alipay/WeChat Pay: Dominant. Set up before arrival, link international card. Use for metro (scan at gate), DiDi, taxis. Credit Cards: Major hotels/shops accept Visa/Mastercard. Do NOT rely on cards for transport. Tip: Withdraw 300-500 RMB at airport ATM (China Merchants Bank, ICBC) as backup. Notify your bank first.
Cost Comparison: What Locals Pay
Locals pay the same metered taxi fare (80-150 RMB) and metro fare (7-10 RMB). The only difference is they use mobile payment seamlessly. As a tourist, you might pay more if you get an unlicensed taxi (200+ RMB) or take private transfer. The metro price is fixed and identical for everyone.
First-Time Traveler's Experience at Shenzhen Bao'an Airport
Arriving at Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Terminal 3 is impressive - it's modern, sleek, and efficient. After immigration and baggage claim, you enter a massive arrivals hall. Don't stop in the middle - move to the sides. Look up for color-coded signs: Metro (Blue M/Line 11), Taxi, Airport Buses, Online Car-hailing (DiDi). The flow is logical but the scale can overwhelm. Have your destination's Chinese address ready on your phone. Terminal 3 is designed for efficiency, but you need to know your chosen transport mode before exiting.
The Reality of Choosing Your Transport
If you have one backpack and are alone: Follow blue "M" signs to the metro. It's a 10-minute walk but worth it. If you're a family of four with multiple suitcases: Head straight for the taxi queue. The walk to the metro with that luggage involves elevators and is challenging. If it's after 11:30 PM: Options are taxi, DiDi, or pre-booked car. The metro is closed. I've seen tired travelers dragging suitcases back and forth indecisively, wasting precious time.
A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake
You arrive at 10:45 PM, thinking you have time for the metro. You get lost finding the metro station in T3, taking 15 minutes. You reach the gates at 11:05 PM. The last train leaves at 11:20 PM, but you need to buy a ticket. The machine line is long. You reach the front at 11:18 PM, fumble with cash, get a token at 11:22 PM. The gates are closed. You're now forced to take a taxi with night surcharge. The taxi queue is 30 minutes long. You finally get to your hotel at 1:00 AM, exhausted. Always check the last metro departure time (around 11:20-11:30 PM from airport).
Rush Hour, Late Night & Failure Scenario Guide
Shenzhen Rush Hour Traffic (Severe)
Weekday Mornings (7:30-9:30 AM): Roads into city are gridlocked. Taxi/DiDi can take 80+ minutes. Metro is packed but moving. Weekday Evenings (5:30-7:30 PM): Similar congestion. Strategy: If you arrive during these times, the metro is still your best bet despite crowds. If you must take a car, expect the journey to cost more due to time stuck in traffic. Shenzhen traffic is some of China's worst - what looks like 20km on a map can take 90 minutes.
Late Night Arrivals (After 11:00 PM) & Early Morning Departures
Metro: Last train from Airport Station leaves around 11:20-11:30 PM. If you land after 10:30 PM, do not plan on taking the metro. Airport Buses: Some lines run until 1:00 AM. Check electronic boards. Taxis/DiDi: Available 24/7, with 30% night surcharge after 10:00 PM. Taxi queue can be 30+ minutes long after midnight. Pre-booked Transfer: Most reliable late-night option.
Early Morning Flights (Before 8:00 AM)
The first metro from Futian to airport leaves around 6:20 AM, arriving ~7:00 AM. This is too risky for any flight before 9:00 AM, especially international. Take a taxi or DiDi. Book a DiDi the night before (scheduled pick-up) or have your hotel call a taxi. Roads are clear at 4:00-5:00 AM, so the ride takes only 40 minutes.
What to Do If Your Transport Plan Fails
Scenario 1: Missed the last metro. Walk to the taxi queue or try DiDi. If taxi queue is enormous, consider airport bus if still running. Scenario 2: No cash and Alipay not working. Find an ATM (in arrivals) to withdraw RMB. Most taxis accept Alipay/WeChat, but cash is backup. Scenario 3: DiDi driver cancelled multiple times. Walk to the official taxi queue. It's your fail-safe. I've had DiDi drivers cancel after accepting because they didn't want to go downtown during rush hour. Have a backup plan.
Practical Tips for Every Traveler: Bao'an Airport to City
- With large luggage (2+ suitcases): Take taxi or DiDi. Metro has some stairs and crowded trains.
- For families with young kids: Taxi or pre-booked car. Navigating metro with strollers in crowds is stressful.
- For business travelers: Taxi or DiDi Comfort. Metro is fine with carry-on only.
- For elderly travelers: Taxi or private transfer. Avoid metro during rush hour.
- Solo female traveler at night: Take taxi from official queue or DiDi. Avoid airport bus if hotel not at terminus.
- First-time visitor tip: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with credit card BEFORE travel.
- Budget traveler tip: Metro is your friend. If hotel isn't near metro, take metro closest then short DiDi/taxi for last mile.
- Late night arrival (after 11:00 PM): Pre-book transfer or be prepared for long taxi queue and night surcharge.
- Early morning flight (before 9:00 AM): Do NOT take metro. Book taxi or DiDi the night before.
- During peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Oct holiday): All transport is extremely crowded. Book private transfers well in advance.
- Payment: Have mix of cash (small bills) and working mobile payment app.
- Internet: Buy Chinese SIM card with data at airport (China Mobile, China Unicom) or arrange eSIM beforehand.
- Hotel location: Know your hotel's Chinese name and address. Show it to taxi driver.
- Return trip to airport: From downtown, DiDi scheduled pick-up is reliable. From metro, allow 60+ minutes travel + 20 mins to walk to check-in.
- Shenzhen traffic jams: Are legendary. Avoid road transport during peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:30-7:30 PM) if possible.
- Language barrier: Most taxi drivers speak minimal English. Have destination written in Chinese characters on phone or card.
- Taxis from city to airport: Hail on street or have hotel concierge book. Ensure driver uses meter. Approx. 80-150 RMB + tolls.
- Environmental choice: Metro is most eco-friendly option.
- Absolute fastest option outside rush hour: DiDi/taxi on Yanba Expressway.
- Cheapest possible option: Metro (7 RMB).
- Most scenic route: Taxi on coastal roads (Bao'an Ave) offers sea views, but slower.
Map showing primary routes from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) to Futian CBD via Metro Line 11 and major expressways.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shenzhen Bao'an Airport to City Center
What is the fastest way to get from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport to downtown?
The fastest option is the Shenzhen Metro Airport Express (Line 11) to Futian CBD. It takes 30-40 minutes to Chegongmiao/Futian station (8-10 RMB). During rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:30-7:30 PM), the metro remains the fastest as it avoids Shenzhen's severe road congestion. For 3-4 people with luggage, a DiDi/taxi can be faster outside rush hours (40-60 mins, 80-150 RMB). The airport express line is truly express, with only 4-5 stops to the CBD.
How much is the metro from Shenzhen Airport to the city?
Shenzhen Metro Airport Line 11 (Express) costs 7-10 RMB per person to downtown stations. To Chegongmiao (near Tencent): 9 RMB. To Futian (CBD center): 10 RMB. To Qianhaiwan (transfer to Line 1/5): 7 RMB. You can pay with cash at machines, Shenzhen Tong card, or use WeChat Pay/Alipay via the Shenzhen Metro mini-program. It's the most cost-effective transport from Bao'an Airport to Shenzhen city center.
How long does the metro take from Shenzhen Airport to downtown?
The Airport Express (Line 11) takes approximately 30-40 minutes from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Terminal (Airport Station) to Chegongmiao or Futian stations in the central business district. Including walking from baggage claim to the metro station (8-10 mins) and waiting for the train (3-6 mins), total journey time is 45-60 minutes. The train operates at 140km/h, making it one of China's fastest airport metro lines.
How much is a taxi from Shenzhen Airport to the city center?
Metered taxi fare from SZX to Futian CBD is 80-150 RMB ($11-21 USD), depending on traffic and exact destination. Flag fall: 12 RMB (first 3 km), then 2.6 RMB/km. After 10 PM, a 30% night surcharge applies. To Luohu (old downtown): 100-180 RMB. To Nanshan (Tech district): 60-120 RMB. Always ensure the meter is used. Avoid touts offering fixed prices - they charge 200-300 RMB for the same ride.
Is DiDi (Chinese ride-hailing) available at Shenzhen Airport?
Yes, DiDi Chuxing operates extensively at Shenzhen Airport. Cost: 70-140 RMB to downtown, similar to taxis. You need a Chinese phone number for verification and the DiDi app (international version may work). Designated pick-up zones are at both Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. Wait time: 5-15 minutes. DiDi is often more comfortable and reliable than taxis. The internet says it's easy, but that's only true if you have a working Chinese SIM and mobile payment set up before arrival.
What is the cheapest way from Shenzhen Airport to downtown?
Metro Line 11: 7-10 RMB (30-40 mins). Public Airport Bus: 15-25 RMB (60-90 mins). Regular Bus: 2-5 RMB (90-120 mins, not recommended). Walking: Not possible (25-35 km). The metro is the absolute cheapest efficient option. I don't actually recommend regular public buses for visitors with luggage - they're slow, crowded, and confusing. Airport shuttle buses are better but still much slower than the metro.
Is there a direct metro line from Shenzhen Airport to the city?
Yes, Shenzhen Metro Line 11 (Airport Express) runs directly from Bao'an International Airport Station (located in Terminal 3) to downtown Shenzhen. You do not need to transfer to reach Futian CBD, Chegongmiao, or Qianhai Bay. The line is designed as an airport express with limited stops. For other districts like Luohu or Nanshan Tech Park, you'll need to transfer at Qianhaiwan or Chegongmiao.
What is the best option for late night arrival at Shenzhen Airport?
Late night arrivals (after 11:30 PM, when metro stops): Pre-booked private transfer or DiDi/taxi. The last metro from Airport Station departs around 11:30 PM. Airport shuttle buses run some routes until 1:00 AM. Taxis charge 30% night surcharge after 10:00 PM. DiDi availability drops after midnight. I strongly recommend arranging transport in advance if arriving after 11:00 PM. The taxi queue can be 30+ minutes long after the last metro departs.
How early should I leave Shenzhen downtown for the airport?
For domestic flights: Leave 2.5-3 hours before departure. Travel time: 40-70 minutes by taxi (with Shenzhen traffic). For international flights: Leave 3.5-4 hours before. The metro takes 30-40 minutes plus 20 minutes to walk to check-in. Shenzhen Airport is large and security lines can be long. Don't cut it close - I've seen people miss flights thinking 'Shenzhen is efficient so I don't need much time.'
Are there ATMs and money exchange at Shenzhen Bao'an Airport?
ATMs: Available throughout T3 (China Merchants Bank, ICBC, etc.) accepting international cards. Money exchange: Counters in arrivals (Bank of China) but rates are poor. Better to withdraw RMB from an ATM. Have 100-200 RMB in smaller bills (10s, 20s) for taxi or buying a metro ticket if mobile pay fails. Most places accept Alipay/WeChat Pay, including metro ticket machines.
Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay for the Shenzhen Airport Metro?
Yes, you can use Alipay or WeChat Pay via the 'Shenzhen Metro' mini-program to scan directly at the gate. This is the most convenient method. You can also buy single journey tokens from vending machines (English available) using cash or QR code. For foreigners, setting up Alipay/WeChat Pay with an international card before arrival is crucial for seamless travel in Shenzhen.
Is there free WiFi at Shenzhen Airport for booking DiDi?
Yes, free WiFi ('SZ Airport Free WiFi') is available but requires phone verification. For foreign numbers, this can be problematic. Better to buy a Chinese SIM card with data at airport counters (China Mobile, China Unicom) or arrange an eSIM before arrival. Relying on airport WiFi for ride-hailing often leads to frustration when you can't receive the SMS verification code.