Shenyang Metro is an underground mass transit system serving Shenyang, the capital city of Liaoning Province, China. The system began operation in 2010 and is the first metro system to serve northeast China, although other Chinese regions have already established such systems.
The Shenyang Metro does not provide daily ridership figures. The metro operates from 6:15am to 12:03am daily, but does not operate 24 hours a day. Unfortunately, there is no air conditioning in the stations or trains. In addition, passengers cannot walk between platforms.
In terms of automation, Shenyang Metro does not operate driverless trains. However, there are screen doors installed on the platforms to increase the safety of passengers waiting for trains.
To enter the metro, passengers must go through entry/exit gates, and the fare is 2 Chinese yuan (CNY).
Shenyang Metro Map
Map of Shenyang Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Shenyang Metro map in PDF format.
About Shenyang Metro
Currently, the metro network consists of two lines with 43 stations, covering a distance of 55.16 kilometres. More than half a million people, approximately 533,000, use the Shenyang Metro for their daily commute. The Shenyang Metro Corporation manages the operation of the system.
Historical Overview
The need for a metro system in Shenyang was recognised as early as 1940, but it took several years before construction began. In 1965, the Chinese central government initiated new projects to build metro lines in various cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Shenyang and Tianjin. However, while other metro systems were completed within a few years, the Shenyang project was delayed, mainly due to the city’s weak economic performance in the 1980s and 1990s.
However, with the start of the new millennium, economic conditions improved and the metro project gained momentum. It finally received the necessary approvals in 2005 and construction began.
- September 2009: Trial operation of a section of Line 1 (from Tiexi Square to Shisanhao Jie) began. Construction of the Shenyang-
- Tiecheng Intercity Railway began at the same time.
- September 2010: Line 1 entered full operation.
- October 2010: Construction began on the eastern extension of Line 1.
- December 2011: Line 2 begins trial operation.
- January 2012: Full operation of Line 2 (from Santaizi to Quanyun Jie) started.
- December 2013: Line 2 was further extended to Hangkonghangtiandaxue in the north.
Operating Hours
Metro trains run every day from 06:00 to 22:00. During weekdays and office hours, trains arrive every 6 minutes, and at other times every 8 minutes. At weekends, trains run every 7 to 9 minutes.
Lines and Stations
Shenyang Metro currently operates two lines – Line 1 and Line 2, which intersect at Qingniandajie Station.
Line 1
Line 1 is an east-west line that connects 22 stations over its 27.8km length, starting at Shisanhaojie and ending at Limingguangchang. The entire line is underground and the total journey time is about one hour. Key areas served by this line include the Shenyang Economic and Technological Development Zone and the Liming Cultural Museum. This line also connects to Line 2 and Shenyang Railway.
Major stations on this line include Shisanhaojie, Zhangshi, Qigongjie, Shenyangzhan Station, Nanshichang, Qingniandajie, Dongzhongjie, Limingguangchang.
Line 2
Line 2 starts at Quanyunlu in the south, runs through the city centre and ends at Hangkonghangtiandaxue in the north. It has 22 stations over a distance of 27.36 km. The line is completely underground and a full journey takes approximately 55 minutes. Passengers can transfer from this line to Line 1 and the Shenyang North Railway.
Major stations on this line include Hangkonghangtiandaxue, Lingxi, Beilinggongyuan, Qishanlu, Shenyangbeizhan, Qingniandajie, Shitushuguan, Aotizhongxin, Shijidasha, Quanyunlu.
Future Expansion Plans
Work is underway to extend both operational lines. In addition, an intercity railway line is being built between Puhedadaoto and Fanhexincheng stations.
Construction of Lines 4, 9 and 10 is expected to be completed by 2018. The long-term plan is to expand the network to a total of 182.5 km, including 2 additional north-south lines, 2 additional east-west lines and 2 L-shaped lines.
Ticketing and Fares
In the Shenyang Metro system, fares depend on the number of stations a passenger travels through. The basic fare is CNY2 for up to 8 stations. For 9 to 12 stations, the fare is CNY3, and for 12 or more stations, it’s CNY4. The origin station is not included in the number of stations.
Ticket options include: Single Ticket, Ordinary Charge Card, Guan’ ai Card and Xiyanghong Card. The Ordinary Charge Card offers a 5% discount on the standard fare. The Guan’ ai Card offers a 50% discount for people aged between 60 and 69. The Xiyanghong Card allows people aged 70 and above to travel free on the metro. In addition, one adult can bring one child under 1.3m in height free of charge.
Single tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at station entrances, while cards can be purchased from customer service centres. Different cards require different deposits and can be topped up at ticket machines.
Facilities and Services
To enhance the passenger experience, Shenyang Metro Corporation offers the following facilities and services:
- Each metro station is connected to a nearby bus line.
- Platform screens display train schedules and provide clear directions.
- Side-seating arrangement in the trains allows a large number of passengers to travel comfortably.
- Escalators and lifts are available for the elderly and disabled.
- Announcements are made in Chinese and English.
Rules
To ensure a smooth journey, Shenyang Metro Corporation advises passengers to follow certain rules and etiquette.
- Single tickets must be used on the day of purchase or they will be invalid.
- Begging is not allowed at stations or on trains.
- Passengers should stay behind the marked line on the platform when a train is approaching.
- Passengers waiting to board a train should allow alighting passengers to disembark first.
Tips for Traveling
Here are some tips for an efficient journey on the Shenyang Metro:
- Watch out for pickpockets. Keep your bag in front of you when the train is crowded.
- Keep your ticket or card after entering the station, as it will be required at the exit gate.
- If the ticket machines are not working or are difficult to use, go to the ticket counters at the stations.