If, like David Feng, you are both a Mac (and other Apple products) and Trains person, and are in/headed to Greater China, then this page is for you. From onboard power ports to which exit for the Apple Store from the Metro station.
Apple Stores
There are Apple Stores in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
Mainland Chinese cities and provinces with an Apple Store: Anhui (Hefei), Beijing, Chongqing, Fujian (Fuzhou, Xiamen), Guangdong (Guangzhou, Shenzhen), Gvangjsih/Guangxi (Namzningz/Nanning), He’nan (Zhengzhou), Hubei (Wuhan), Hu’nan (Changsha), Jiangsu (Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi), Liaoning (Dalian, Shenyang), Shandong (Ji’nan, Qingdao), Shanghai, Sichuan (Chengdu), Tianjin, Yunnan (Kunming), Zhejiang (Ningbo, Hangzhou, Wenzhou).
» See the official full listing here (简中)
In Taiwan, only Taipei has Apple Store presences.
All cities listed above are accessible by High Speed Rail and have their own local Metro systems.
Power Plugs
Mainland China — 220V, 50 Hz AC, Types A and I plugs recommended. Older power ports accommodate far more versions (even the UK’s BS 1363 plug), but newer power ports introduced during Zero Covid support only Types A and I plugs.
Hong Kong and Macau — 220V, 50 Hz AC in both places; type G is seen both in Hong Kong and Macau; types C and F can also be found in Macau.
Taiwan — 110V, 60 Hz AC, type B generally seen, although type B also accepts most type A plugs.
Travellers from Europe: Aside from some older plugs in Mainland China, and a few in Macau, you will need at least a plug adapter, and, if travelling to Taiwan, also to ensure voltage compatibility, if you are bringing your gear from Europe.
Usage onboard national railway trains
In Mainland China, almost all HSR trains and increasingly more trains running on the Classic Rail network have power plugs.
On the newer Revival Express (Fuxing Hao) trains, there is direct support for USB-A, and, on newer trains, USB-C power ports.
WARNING: PORTS SUPPORTING USB-C LOOK HIGHLY SIMILAR TO PARTS OF 220V POWER PORTS. *NEVER* USE THE WRONG PLUG IN THE WRONG PORT!
In Business Class, newer trains also have wireless charging capabilities. Remove your iPhone’s cover if it does not work immediately.
Trains to/from Hong Kong may have Type G power plugs if it is a train owned by the MTR. Mainland Chinese trains may not have these.
International trains to/from Laos may have a slight variant which also accommodate Europlugs.
Usage onboard Metro systems
A handful of newer-generation trains have wireless charging outlets. For your safety and to prevent theft or loss, stay right by your device whilst it is charging.
Customs & Immigration
For Mainland China, items you’ve brought from abroad (as in outside Mainland China) that are priced at, or exceed, CNY 5’000.—, should be declared to Customs. For those entering from Hong Kong or Macau, however, this limit is CNY 12’000.—, which means most iPhones do not require declaration.
All bags are systematically X-rayed both heading into and out of Mainland China; sometimes they are done as part as usual, pre-boarding airport security. Customs are known to be active in tackling law-breakers, and items that are illegal or exceed their legal limits are routinely held or confiscated.
Although Chinese law allows digital devices to be inspected when there is a valid national security warrant, in reality this is rare, and most border crossings happen without incident.
Apple Stores + Metro
(This list is being progressively updated)
Note: You can use your iPhone with a valid China T-Union card as a public transport card valid on all Metro systems in Mainland China. A similar system works for Hong Kong (Octopus card). In some cities, such as Beijing and Hong Kong, local and overseas bank cards can also be used for fare payment.
Beijing
Apple Store China Central Place
Subway Lines 1 / 14, Dawang Road (大望路; Dawanglu) station
Exit H
Apple Store Joy City Chaoyang
Subway Line 6, Qingnian Road (青年路; Qingnianlu) station
Exit B or follow signs to Joy City
Apple Store Sanlitun
Subway Lines 3 / 17, Workers Stadium (工人体育场) station
Exit D (then walk straight for a few minutes to Tai Koo Li South)
Apple Store Wangfujing
Subway Line 8, Jinyu Hutong (金鱼胡同) station
Follow signs to Beijing apm
Hong Kong
Apple Store ifc mall
MTR Hong Kong station (change from Central station)
Exit B2 or follow signs to ifc mall
Macau
Apple Macau Galaxy
Pai Kok Macau Light Rail station
Taipei
Apple Taipei 101
MRT Taipei 101/World Trade Center station on Tamsui-Xinyi Red Line
Exit 4
Tianjin
Apple Store Joy City
Metro Lines 2 / 7, Drum Tower (鼓楼; Gulou) station
Exit F