Guangzhou operates one of Asia’s busiest metro networks with over 600 km of track and 300 stations spread across 18 lines. For visitors attending the Canton Fair, exploring the old city, or catching a train at Guangzhou South (the busiest high-speed rail station in China), understanding the metro is the single most important practical skill.
Network Overview
The metro runs from approximately 06:00 to 23:30, though a handful of lines on weekends extend to 00:30. Trains run every 3–5 minutes during peak hours on main lines, and every 8–10 minutes on outer branches.
Fares start at ¥2 for the first four kilometres and increase by ¥1 for every four additional kilometres. A cross-city journey rarely exceeds ¥10.
Lines Essential for Tourists
Line 1 (East–West Corridor): The historic backbone of the network. Key stops: Gongyuan Qian (intersection with Line 2; near Guangzhou Zoo), Ximen Kou (old city shopping), Chen Jia Ci (Chen Clan Academy, a must-visit ancestral hall with Lingnan architecture), Huangsha (connecting to Pearl River boat trips), Fangcun and terminus at Xilang.
Line 2 (North–South): Runs from Guangzhou South Station to Guangzhou East Station. Critical stops: Guangzhou South Station (广州南站) — the transfer point from Hong Kong high-speed rail and intercity trains — and Haizhu Square for access to old Guangzhou Canton road architecture.
Line 3 (Airport Express): Guangzhou’s longest line. Takes you from the city centre to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in 35–40 minutes for ¥8–12. Board at Tiyu Xilu or Zhujiang New Town and change at Tiyuzhongxin if needed. Line 3 also passes through Tianhe CBD.
Line 5: Connects Zhujiang New Town (Guangzhou’s financial and luxury shopping district, home to the Canton Tower nearby) through the heart of Tianhe to Liwan. Exits near Guangzhou Opera House and Guangdong Museum.
Line 8: Critical for Canton Fair attendees. Stops at Pazhou (琶洲) — the exhibition complex — with direct pedestrian walkways to both the East and West halls of the China Import and Export Fair.
Canton Fair Navigation by Metro
The Canton Fair, held every April and October, draws over 200,000 international buyers. The Pazhou Complex (Line 8, Pazhou Station) hosts Phases 1 and 2. Phase 3 at the Liuhua Complex is accessible via Line 2 (Guangzhou Railway Station) or Line 5 (Xiaobei).
During fair periods, extra trains run on Lines 2 and 8, and dedicated English-speaking staff stand at Pazhou station. Still, lines at the security scan can be 20 minutes long at 09:00 opening. Arrive by 08:30 or wait until after 11:00.
Airport Connections
Baiyun Airport (CAN) has two terminals:
- Terminal 1: Metro Line 3 North Extension, Airport South Station (机场南)
- Terminal 2: Metro Line 3 North Extension, Airport North Station (机场北)
From Zhujiang New Town, the journey is about 35 minutes. From Guangzhou South Station (where Hong Kong trains arrive), change to Line 2 northbound to Gongyuan Qian, then take Line 3 northbound — total journey approximately 70 minutes.
Guangzhou South Station Tips
Guangzhou South (广州南站) is on Line 2 and is the arrival point for high-speed trains from:
- Hong Kong West Kowloon: 48 minutes, ¥218–263 second class
- Shenzhen North: 30 minutes, ¥74
- Wuhan: 3.5 hours
- Beijing: 8–9 hours (overnight option available)
The station is enormous — allow 30 minutes for the walk from the train to the metro gates. Follow yellow English signs once you exit the high-speed rail gate.
Payment Methods
Lingnan Tong card (岭南通): Guangdong’s regional transit card, available at service windows for ¥30 (¥20 deposit + ¥10 credit). Works on Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Foshan and Zhuhai metro and buses.
Alipay / WeChat Pay: Scan the QR code reader at turnstiles. No registration needed if you have a foreign card linked to Alipay.
Single journey tokens: Purchased from machines with English language option. Change given for notes up to ¥100.
Key Tourist Stations
| Station | Line | What’s Nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Gongyuan Qian | 1 & 2 | Guangzhou Zoo, city center |
| Chen Jia Ci | 1 | Chen Clan Academy (Lingnan architecture) |
| Shangxiajiu | 1 | Pedestrian shopping and snack street |
| Haizhu Square | 2 | Old Canton architecture, riverside |
| Zhujiang New Town | 5 | Guangdong Museum, Guangzhou Opera House |
| Pazhou | 8 | Canton Fair exhibition halls |
| Xingangdong | 8 | Canton Tower (walkable) |
| Lie De | 2 | Temple of the Six Banyan Trees |
Common Tourist Mistakes
- Missing the Line 3 split: Line 3 has a Y-junction. Northbound trains on Line 3 split — some go to Airport North, others to Tianhe Coach Terminal. Check the final destination displayed on the platform screen.
- Using the wrong payment lane: Guangzhou has two turnstile types — card swipe and QR code scan. Foreign Alipay users need the QR lane; it’s marked with a phone icon.
- Underestimating Guangzhou South Station: It is bigger than most airports. Plan extra time.
Late Night and Emergencies
Metro service ends around 23:30. After hours, the Guangzhou DiDi app and regular metered taxis are available outside every major station. Average fare from Zhujiang New Town to the old city is ¥25–40.
Emergency phone at every station: press the red button on the platform pillar to reach the station master. The public emergency number in China is 110 (police) and 120 (ambulance).
Accessibility
All stations constructed after 2010 have lifts and tactile paving. Staff assistance is available at service windows. Wheelchair users should call the service hotline (020-89063333) in advance for platform-level boarding assistance at older stations.
With the Guangzhou metro, every major tourist, business and transit point in the city is reachable within 45 minutes from anywhere on the network. It is faster, cheaper and more comfortable than any taxi for daytime travel.