Beyond Beijing and Shanghai, China has some of the world’s most modern and extensive metro systems. Understanding the specific quirks of each city’s network before you arrive makes the difference between confident and efficient travel. This guide covers the major tourist-city metro systems you’ll most likely use.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Guangzhou Metro
Guangzhou’s metro (广州地铁) covers 14 lines and over 300 stations, serving the entire Pearl River Delta metropolitan area.
Key lines for tourists
Line 1 (East–West)
- Guangzhou East Railway Station (广州东站): intercity trains to Hong Kong, Shenzhen
- Tianhe Sports Centre (体育中心): modern commercial hub, Zhujiang New Town area
- Xichan (西禅): exit for Shamian Island (European colonial architecture, worth visiting)
- Huangsha (黄沙): Cantonese food neighbourhood
Line 5
- Zhujiang New Town (珠江新城): Guangzhou Opera House, Canton Tower area
- Pazhou (琶洲): Canton Fair exhibition centre
Line 6
- Haizhu Square (海珠广场): historic Cantonese commercial area
- Chen Clan Academy (陈家祠): famous Lingnan-style ancestral hall; excellent folk art museum
Payment
- Alipay (search “广州地铁” for QR code access)
- WeChat Pay QR
- Physical Yangcheng Tong card (羊城通) — also works on buses across Guangdong province
Shenzhen Metro
Shenzhen’s metro (深圳地铁) is extensive, modern, and heavily air-conditioned (welcome in the subtropical heat).
Key stations
- Shenzhen North (深圳北): high-speed trains to Guangzhou, Beijing; Line 5 + 4
- Futian (福田): cross-border connection to Hong Kong via the high-speed rail (Line 4 to Futian Port)
- Window of the World (世界之窗): theme park with miniature world landmarks
- Huaqiangbei (华强北): world’s largest electronics market — Line 1 or 3
Hong Kong Border Crossing via Metro
Line 4 connects directly to the Futian Port crossing:
- Futian → cross border on foot → Lok Ma Chau Hong Kong metro
- Or take intercity high-speed train from Shenzhen North to Hong Kong West Kowloon (25 minutes)
Payment
- Shenzhen Tong card (深圳通), also works on buses
- Alipay and WeChat Pay QR code
Chengdu Metro
Chengdu’s metro (成都地铁) is rapidly expanding to over 15 lines — one of China’s fastest-growing networks.
Key lines and stops
Line 1
- Century City (世纪城): Chengdu’s modern financial district; Globe Center
- Jinli (锦里): adjacent to Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street (short walk from Gaosheng Bridge)
Line 2
- Tianfu Square (天府广场): city centre; Sichuan Museum nearby
- Chunxi Road (春熙路): main shopping street, Taikoo Li; IFS mall
Line 7 / Line 17
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base: accessible via combination metro + bus or DiDi (from Caotang station on Line 4)
Note: The panda base isn’t directly on the metro yet — take Line 3 to Yingmenkou then a short bus ride, or DiDi directly from your hotel.
Payment
- Chengdu public transit card (成都通)
- Alipay and WeChat Pay QR (search “成都地铁”)
- DiDi metro integration
Xi’an Metro
Xi’an’s metro (西安地铁) has 8 lines and is continuously expanding to cover the city’s vast archaeological sites.
Tourist-relevant lines
Line 2 (North–South)
- Bell Tower (钟楼): the absolute centre of Xi’an’s tourist district
- South Gate (南门): access to the restored city wall (cycling and walking)
- Xi’an Railway Station (火车站): conventional trains; near Muslim Quarter
Line 1
- Yongnian Gate (勇年门): near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (1km walk)
Note: The Terracotta Warriors site (临潼) is accessible via Line 9 (under construction/expanding) or by bus from the North Square of Xi’an Railway Station (Bus 914/915).
Xi’an City Wall entrance stations
All four gates of the city wall are within walking distance of Line 2 stations:
- North Gate: 15-minute walk from Yucai Road station
- South Gate: Nanmen station (direct)
- East Gate: Wanshoulu station
- West Gate: Youyi West Road station
Hangzhou Metro
Hangzhou metro (杭州地铁) has expanded significantly, now with 12+ lines.
Tourist connections
Line 1
- Longxiangqiao (龙翔桥): closest metro station to West Lake; 10-minute walk to Bai Causeway
- Qianjiang New Town (钱江新城): modern skyline area with Hangzhou Citizen Centre
Line 2 (Airport)
- Hangzhou East Railway Station (杭州东): main intercity rail hub
- Xiaoshan International Airport: direct metro connection
Line 7 (Xixi)
- Xixi Wetland (西溪湿地): national park known for birdwatching and autumn leaves
Payment
- Hangzhou City Card (杭州市民卡)
- Alipay QR (search “杭州地铁”)
- Works seamlessly with Suzhou and Nanjing transit cards on integrated Yangtze Delta network
Wuhan Metro
Wuhan’s metro (武汉地铁) connects all three of Wuhan’s historic districts across the Yangtze and Han rivers.
Key lines
Line 2 (Cross-Yangtze)
- Yellow Crane Tower (黄鹤楼): transfer at Wuchang Station → taxi or walk
- Wuhan Station (武汉站): high-speed trains
- Optics Valley Square (光谷广场): tech district, Hubei university area
Line 4
- Wuhan University (武汉大学): campus famous for cherry blossoms in spring
- East Lake: scenic area (transfer required)
Line 7 (River Crossing)
- Han Street (汉街): Wanda Han Show Theatre area
Universal Metro Tips Across All Chinese Cities
Finding the right app
Each city has its own transit app:
- Amap works across all cities: search “[city name] 地铁” to find the specific QR code mini-program
Ticket machines
All major Chinese metros have ticket machines with English language options. Look for the English button (英文) on the screen.
Peak hour reality
All Chinese city metros experience intense crowding during weekday peak hours (7:30–9:30am, 5:30–8pm). Have your QR code or card ready before the gate to avoid creating a bottleneck.
Transfer stations
Major transfer stations in Chinese cities can be very large — some transfers involve 5–10 minutes of walking between platforms. The app shows transfer walking time; factor this into journey plans.
Last updated: May 2026 · Metro networks are expanding rapidly. Download the city-specific app or Amap for current maps.