The Shenzhen Metro is the underground transportation network connecting different regions of the city of Shenzhen in China. It is the sixth underground rapid transit system in mainland China, after those in Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Guangzhou and Wuhan. The metro system consists of five lines with 118 stations and operates on a 177 km track. As of 2015, approximately 3,070,000 people commute daily on the Shenzhen Metro.
The Shenzhen Metro has a daily ridership of approximately 362,000 passengers. The metro system operates from 6:30am to 12:06am on normal days and extends to 1:05am on special occasions. However, it does not provide 24-hour service. The stations and trains of the Shenzhen Metro are air-conditioned for passenger comfort, and it is possible to walk between platforms.
Despite the global trend towards automation, the Shenzhen Metro does not operate driverless trains. However, for safety reasons, all platforms are equipped with screen doors. The fare system operates with entry/exit gates and requires an RFID token, with fares starting at 2 Chinese Yuan (CNY).
The Shenzhen Metro is operated by three entities: Shenzhen Metro Co.,Ltd, Shenzhen Metro No.3 Line Investment Co.,Ltd, and MTR Corporation (Shenzhen) Limited. For more detailed information, you can visit the Shenzhen Metro Official Website.
Shenzhen Metro Map
Map of Shenzhen Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Shenzhen Metro map in PDF format.
About Shenzhen Metro
Initiatives to build a light metro system for the city of Shenzhen began in the early 1980s. However, the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the region necessitated the creation of a rapid transit metro line. In August 1992, the design of the Shenzhen Metro was completed, with a network of nine lines covering 270 km.
Unfortunately, the project was delayed for political reasons. In 1997, however, the city authorities took significant steps to revive the project, which was approved and renamed Shenzhen Metro First Phase the following year. Construction began in 1999 under the aegis of Shenzhen Metro Co., Ltd, and the metro system officially opened on 28 December 2004. Since then, the metro network has been extensively expanded with the addition of new lines and stations.
Lines and Stations
The metro lines are designed so that each crosses the other four at least once. Line 1 and Line 4 connect the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, allowing passengers to transfer to Hong Kong’s MTR East Rail Line.
Line 1 (Luobao Line)
This is the busiest of the five metro lines. It runs from Luo Hu to Airport East and is operated by the Shenzhen Metro Group. Major stations on this line include:
- Luo Hu
- Guo Mao (International Trade Centre)
- DaJuYuan (Grand Theatre)
- KeXueGuan (Science Museum Jusco)
- Gang Xia
- XiangMiHu (Honey Lake)
- Shi Jie Zhi Chuang (Window of the World)
- Hi-tech Industrial Park
- Shenzhen University
- Hourui
- Airport East
Line 2 (Shekou Line)
This is the least used line on the network. It connects Chiwan to Xinxiu and is operated by the Shenzhen Metro Group. Major stations on this line include:
- Chiwan
- Shekou Port
- Sea World
- Shuiwan
- Keyuan (Science Park)
- Hongshuwan
- Window of the World
- OCT North
- Xiangmei North
- Jiang Tian
- City Hall
- Grand Theater
- Hubei
- Huangbei
- Xinxiu
Line 3 (Longgang Line)
Also known as the Universiade Line, it connects Yitian to Shuanglong. This line is managed by Shenzhen Metro Line 3 Operations. Major stations on this line include:
- Yitian
- Shopping Park
- Futian
- Children’s Palace
- Cuizhu
- Tianbei
- Shuibei
- Caopu
- Buji
- Mumianwan
- Tangkeng
- Henggang
- Yonghu
- He’ao
- Universiade
- Longcheng Square
- Nanlian
- Shuanglong
Line 4 (Longhua Line)
This line runs from Futian Checkpoint to Qinghu and is operated by MTR Corporation (Shenzhen). Major stations on this line include:
- Futian Checkpoint
- Fumin
- Convention & Exhibition Center
- Civic Center
- Shao Nian Gong
- Lianhua North
- Shenzhen North Station
- Hongshan
- Longhua
- Qinghu
Line 5 (Huanzhong Line)
This line runs from Qianhaiwan to Huangbeiling and is operated by the Shenzhen Metro Group. Major stations on this line include:
- Qianhaiwan
- Bao’an Center
- Honglang North
- University Town
- Shenzhen North Station
- Changlong
- Buji
- Tai’an
- Yijing
- Huangbeiling
Future Expansion
The Shenzhen metro network is set for major expansion. Phase 3, expected to be completed by 2016, will extend the line length to 348 km and include five new lines. Phase 4 will then be completed by 2020, adding another six lines. The long-term plan is to have 20 lines with 720 km of track by 2030.
Operating Hours
The metro system operates from 6:30am to 12:00am, with minor variations depending on the line. The average train frequency is eight minutes, with some lines running every two minutes during rush hours.
Fares and Tickets
The price of a metro ticket depends on the distance travelled and the sections travelled. The price includes a basic fare and a kilometre charge. The basic fare is CNY2 for the first 4 km, and CNY1 for the next 4 km. Once the distance exceeds 12 km, CNY1 is added to the basic fare for every 6 km. For distances over 24 km, CNY1 is added to the base fare for every 8 km.
Tickets are for single use only and must be purchased from vending machines at stations on the same working day. They may be subject to certain conditions.
Shenzhen Metro offers the following ticket options:
Tokens
These green RFID tokens can be purchased with cash. The machines accept CNY 0.5 and CNY 1 coins and CNY 5 and CNY 10 banknotes. The token must be scanned at the entry station and returned at the exit station. A fine will be charged if the token is lost.
Shenzhen Tong Pass
This can be considered a reloadable travel credit card. The minimum reloadable amount is CNY50. Card readers are located at the entrance and exit of each station. Use of this card entitles you to a 5% discount on the ticket price. The card can also be used to pay bus fares. It can be purchased and topped up at station service centres. This card is now integrated with the Hong Kong Octopus Card so that both cards can be used for metro and bus travel in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
There are also special passes for children, students and senior citizens. For children under the age of six, there’s a children’s pass. For children aged 6 to 14, a child pass offers a 50% discount on fares. The Student Pass offers the same discount and can be used by primary, secondary and higher education students. People aged between 60 and 64 can use a senior citizen’s pass to get a discount on the metro fare. Senior citizens aged 65 and over and the disabled travel free on the metro.
Amenities and Services
To ensure a comfortable and organised commuting experience, Shenzhen Metro offers the following amenities:
- Most stations have adjacent paid parking.
- Stations are equipped with public toilets, luggage storage facilities and telephone booths.
- Mobile phone service is available throughout the network.
- Station announcements are in English and Mandarin, and sometimes Cantonese.
- Stations have several lifts and escalators.
Regulations
When using the Shenzhen Metro, commuters are requested to observe certain rules set by the authorities for safety reasons.
- While waiting for trains, passengers must stand within the yellow line drawn on the platforms.
- Passengers should not try to get on or off the train after the door-closing sound has sounded.
- No accessories such as bags or clothing should extend beyond the door once it is closed.
- Eating and drinking are not permitted in stations.
- If items fall on the tracks, service personnel should be contacted immediately. Personal attempts to retrieve items are discouraged.
Tips
To get the most out of the Shenzhen Metro, you should keep the following points in mind:
- Plan your trip well in advance, taking into account the availability of connecting metro and bus services.
- Have the appropriate coins and banknotes to use the ticket machines.
- If you have breathing difficulties or a blocked nose, it is advisable to wear a breathing mask on the trains.