Shenzhen Robotaxi Pony.ai Review 2026: Booking & Ride Guide

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"I opened the taxi door, and there was no one in the driver's seat!"

It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but this is the reality of fully autonomous, driverless robotaxis that have become fully established in some Chinese cities. During my trip, while staying at the Accor by Hyatt Bay Max C Hotel, I intentionally called and rode a robotaxi three times to get to nearby metro stations, Shenzhen Bay Park, and large shopping malls.

Initially, I worried, 'What if I can't even call one without a local Chinese number?' But I was able to ride without any issues, using only WeChat (which I had already signed up for in Korea with my Korean number) and a credit card (or Travel Wallet) that I had prepared in advance. I'm sharing practical tips on how to ride, explaining why the fare is cheaper than regular taxis and why I actually felt more at ease riding through busy Chinese roads safely.

1. Calling and Paying for Pony.ai with WeChat, Without a Chinese Number

Before taking a Chinese robotaxi,

I thought I would need to install a dedicated Pony.ai app or

verify with a Chinese phone number (+86).

However, after using it three times myself,

I found it was possible even without a Chinese number.

I simply used my existing WeChat account,

which I had registered with my Korean phone number (+82).

In the WeChat search bar,

you can search for Pony.ai or 小马智行,

and then enter the mini-program.

After selecting the mini-program, you can also

click on the icon shown in the image below.

There was no separate process of getting a Chinese number

and registering anew for Pony.ai;

I could use it immediately with my WeChat account

that I was already using in Korea.

Payment was also simpler than expected!

I used a Travel Wallet card and an internationally accepted

credit card that I had already linked to WeChat Pay in Korea.

Instead of paying a fixed fare upfront when calling the taxi,

it was a post-paid system where the actual fare was charged

after the ride was completed.

Initially, I was worried because I didn't have a Chinese phone number

or a Chinese card, but during my three rides,

there were no hitches from calling to payment.

(At first, I had insufficient balance in my Travel Wallet,

but I didn't realize it. When I called again the next day,

it prompted me to pay the previous outstanding amount,

and only then did I complete the payment.)

2. From Finding the Robotaxi Pickup Zone to Actual Boarding

The Pony.ai robotaxi (robotaXI)

isn't like a regular taxi where you can hail it anywhere on the street

or call it to any specific location you want.

You have to get on and off at designated pick-up and drop-off points,

i.e., pickup zones.

However, using it in practice,

it wasn't as inconvenient as I had imagined.

When you set your current location as the starting point,

the map displays nearby official pickup points

that you can use.

When I used it, most were about a 1 to 3-minute walk

from my current location, and I just had to choose the closest one.

There were also surprisingly many pickup points densely located

around popular spots, like in front of the Accor by Hyatt Shenzhen Bay MixC Hotel where I stayed,

near metro exits, or at the main entrances of large shopping malls.

During my stay at the hotel,

I intentionally used Pony.ai robotaxis to get around

to the nearby metro station, Shenzhen Bay Park,

and large shopping malls.

Finding the pickup spot was surprisingly easy each time I used it.

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Check Hotel Prices in Shenzhen Where I Stayed

Arcove by Hyatt Shenzhen Bay MixC

=UrCove by Hyatt Shenzhen Bay Wanxiang

[ Agoda ]

[ Trip.com ]

Simply select a pickup point marked on the map and hail your Pony.ai robotaxi.

During my trips,

the car typically arrived within 3-8 minutes, and even after it arrived, it patiently waited for about 5 minutes.

(the app actually shows it waits for up to 5 minutes!)

For your destination, it's the same principle:

you just pick an official drop-off point

near where you want to go,

where the robotaxi can safely stop.

Once your robotaxi arrives at the pickup spot, the WeChat screen will display the car's license plate number and prompt you to hit a confirmation button to board.

And just like that,

the locked car doors unlocked!

Open the door, and the very first thing that grabs your attention is that completely empty driver's seat!

Even though I knew what to expect, actually seeing that vacant driver's seat in person was still incredibly fascinating.

Just a heads-up: the driver's and front passenger seats are off-limits for passengers. You'll be riding comfortably in the back!

The display in front of the back seats shows not only your navigation route to the destination but also a real-time 3D rendering, sensing surrounding vehicles and objects.

Make sure everyone buckles up! Only when all passengers are wearing their seatbelts can you proceed with the departure on the screen.

Then, when you press the 'start' button,

with absolutely no one in the driver's seat,

the steering wheel just... *slips* into motion on its own. Mind-blowing!

Even knowing what was coming, that moment was still incredibly surreal and amazing.

3. My Real Experience and the Price of China's Autonomous Robotaxi

What truly surprised me most during my three Pony.ai robotaxi rides was the driving style itself.

During my rides,

it almost never did sudden accelerations or harsh braking,

(except for one swift stop when a person unexpectedly darted out)

Instead of speeding, it meticulously stuck to the speed limit.

It generally moved slowly and smoothly, cruising at about 40-50 km/h, and always maintained a generous safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

Anyone who's driven on Chinese roads knows that motorcycles can pop out of nowhere, especially from unprotected left turns or narrow alleys.

And actually, I experienced such a scenario during one of my rides! I watched firsthand as the robotaxi instantly slowed down or stopped, skillfully maintaining a safe distance. Impressive!

After experiencing regular human-driven taxis in China, the Pony.ai robotaxi felt almost *too* slow and gentle. From my perspective, it was almost like, 'Is this a bit *too* cautious?' But honestly, I found that cautiousness incredibly reassuring and comforting.

Initially, the novelty of having no driver meant I kept my eyes glued to the road ahead. But by my second and third rides, I was already relaxing, enjoying the scenery outside, and treating it just like any other taxi.

(Okay, fine, I was mostly taking selfies, LOL!)

And here's another jaw-dropper: the price!

For some of the shorter routes I took, the fare was as little as about 6 yuan!

To put that in perspective, it's roughly ~$1, so when I saw the payment amount, I literally wondered, 'Is this even real?!'

On the routes I used, the Pony.ai robotaxi fare consistently came out *even cheaper* than a standard Didi or taxi!

I was already amazed by how incredibly affordable Chinese taxis are, but a robotaxi being even more budget-friendly? Unbelievable!

Of course, actual prices can vary based on distance traveled and the specific route.

But honestly, it never felt like it was just a 'gimmicky tourist experience to try out future tech.'

With its affordable price and genuine convenience for getting around, what started as a curious one-time experiment quickly turned into,

From then on, whenever I needed to get around,

I'd wonder, ‘Is Pony.ai available here too?’

and I'd search for it first.

Currently, Pony.ai robotaxis

operate in major Chinese cities, including Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai,

and Guangzhou.

In Shenzhen, I was able to use it in Nanshan District, where I stayed,

in Nansha District in Guangzhou,

and in areas like Yizhuang in Beijing.

These are the actual available areas.

However, even within the same city,

it's not available in all areas.

So, before your trip to China, it's most accurate to search

for 'Pony.ai' or '小马智行' on WeChat

and directly check if there are pickup points in the area you're visiting.

This is the most accurate way to confirm.

Experiencing a robotaxi firsthand during my China trip,

what truly amazed me wasn't thinking, ‘I'll be taking taxis like this in the future’,

but realizing that in some Chinese cities, it's already being used

as a real mode of transportation.

I managed to call a Pony.ai robotaxi directly using the mini-program

on my WeChat, which I'd signed up for with my Korean phone number (no Chinese local number needed!),

and paid smoothly with the card linked to my WeChat Pay.

What's more, it wasn't just a one-time experience.

I took it three times during my stay in Shenzhen,

and using it was surprisingly easy.

For the routes I took,

it even turned out to be cheaper than a regular taxi in some instances!

If you're planning a trip to a Chinese city where Pony.ai operates,

including Shenzhen, you absolutely have to try it at least once!

That moment when a car with an empty driver's seat

starts itself, turning the steering wheel on its own,

is an experience you truly have to feel for yourself.

It was a truly fascinating and fun part of my China adventure! ‘◡’

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