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A passenger scans QR code at a metro station in east China's Shanghai, Jan. 16, 2018. Shanghai metro said on Tuesday that it will allow QR code payment through the whole subway network since Jan. 20. Passengers can pay for their tickets via Alipay or China UnionPay simply by scanning the QR code at the entrance and exit after downloading a mobile app called "Metro Daduhui". (Xinhua/Ding Ting)

SHANGHAI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai metro will allow QR code payment in the whole subway network from Jan. 20, the metro's operator Shanghai Shentong Metro Group announced Tuesday.

With QR code readers being installed at all the 389 metro stations, passengers can pay their tickets via Alipay or China UnionPay simply by scanning the QR code after downloading a mobile app, the company said.

"QR codes have fundamentally changed people's daily life in China. It's the right time to roll out the new payment method, making riding the Shanghai metro more convenient," said Jin Tao, an executive with Shanghai metro information management center.

Previously, QR code payment has been launched in cities such as Beijing and Hangzhou to allow passengers a quicker entry and exit process.

Jin told Xinhua that unlike traditional online payment, the Shanghai metro has adopted innovative technology that can function without Internet connection, taking only half a second to pass through the turnstile.

To encourage passengers to try the new payment method, the Shanghai metro will offer discounts on fares between Jan. 20 and Feb. 28.

Currently, Shanghai has the world's longest metro network of 666 kilometers. Before spreading the QR payment service to all lines, Shanghai piloted it at two stations on the maglev line last October.