Yang Cheng Tong

Yang Cheng Tong, (Chinese: 羊城通; pinyin: Yáng chéng tōng; literally "Ram City Pass") is a contactless rechargeable stored value smartcard designed for paying the travel fares in the metro, buses, taxis and ferries in Guangzhou, China and surrounding cities, namely Foshan, Huadu, Zengcheng and Panyu. It was developed and managed by Guangzhou Yang Cheng Tong Limited (广州羊城通有限公司), Guangzhou Public Transport Data Control Center (tentative English translation of 廣州市公共運輸數據管理中心) and Guangzhou Metro Corporation.

The card is accepted by some city merchants, zoos, restaurants, parking meters, and in other establishments as payment. With the card holder's personal information stored in the Yang Cheng Tong, further functions can be applied, such as access control of buildings and roll call in school. The system was successfully launched on 30 December 2001. According to official statistics from its operator, there are over 5 million cards in circulation and 2.2 million transactions per day.

Yang Cheng Tong literally means Ram City Pass, since the Five Rams (Chinese: 五羊; pinyin: wǔ yáng) statue is one of the important landmarks in Guangzhou. Wu Yang Cheng or Yang Cheng are both well-known nicknames of Guangzhou among Chinese people.

Read more about Yang Cheng Tong:  Type of Cards, Criticism