Guangzhou subway (“广州地铁”), is an underground transportation system located in the city of Guangzhou, China.
Inaugurated on 28 June 1997, This metro has grown significantly over the years. With its latest expansion in 2022, the system consists of 14 lines that cover 531 kilometres (about 330 miles) and has 261 stations. This system not only facilitates urban mobility but also connects various points of cultural interest, historical and economic of the city.
Here's the Guangzhou subway map, in various versions, from newest to oldest:
Guangzhou subway schedule
The service is available every weekday and holiday, operating from 6:00 hours until 23:30 hours.
Official Web site
For more information, visit the Guangzhou Metro Official Site.
Guangzhou Subway Price List
The subway system in Guangzhou, has updated its rates for the year 2024.
Basic rate:
- 2 CNY (about 0.29 USD): This is the minimum rate, applicable to the shortest journeys within the metro system.
- Until 12 CNY (about 1.71 USD): This rate applies to the longest journeys within the metro network.
Discounts for frequent use
In addition to regular rates, The metro system offers significant discounts based on users' accumulated monthly spending:
- 20% off for an accumulated monthly expense of 80 CNY or more (about 11.43 USD).
- 50% off for an accumulated monthly expense of 200 CNY or more (about 28.57 USD).
These discounts are designed to benefit frequent users, encouraging continued use of the subway and helping passengers save money on transportation.
Additional considerations
Users can pay their fees using modern payment methods such as QR codes through AlipayHK, thus facilitating payments and accessibility within the public transportation system.
Guangzhou Subway History
Guangzhou subway, that transformed urban transportation in this Chinese metropolis, began its operation on 28 June 1997 with the inauguration of its first line, the line 1, que conecta Huangsha con Xilang.
This milestone marked Guangzhou as the fourth city in China to operate its own subway system., and the first in the central and southern region of China to have a metro line financed by the local government.
In 2002, lines were added 2 y 8, significantly expanding the reach of the system and improving connectivity between key areas of the city.
The expansion continued with the opening of the Line 3 in 2005 and the line 4 in the same year, which expanded the network to new areas such as the airport and more residential and commercial areas..
Till the date, The system has grown to include 16 lines in operation, with a total of 271 stations and an operating length of more than 650 kilometres, making Guangzhou Metro one of the largest and most used transit systems in the world.
Guangzhou Subway Map History
The history of the design of the Guangzhou subway map has mainly focused on the work done by the Guangzhou Metro Design & Research Institute (GMDI), founded in 1993. This institution has been responsible for planning, design, and general consulting for the development of the city's metro network. Since its beginnings, The GMDI has played a crucial role in the expansion and continuous improvement of Guangzhou's underground transportation system, including the design of the subway maps used by millions of people.
Initially, The design of the Guangzhou subway system was a collaborative effort between China and France, starting with the selection of preliminary designs in 1988. This collaborative design process led to the creation of the first concepts for the metro lines, which eventually developed into the lines 1 y 2 what we know today.
Over time, Guangzhou's metro network has grown significantly, and the GMDI has continued to supervise and execute the various aspects of the design and construction of the network, ensuring that system maps and signage are accessible and understandable to all users.
Additional data
This is the list of the important tourist spots in Guangzhou and the nearby subway stations:
- Canton Tower (Guangzhou Tower) (Canton Tower Station, line 3). Iconic tower offering stunning views of the city and features attractions such as a revolving observation deck and revolving restaurants.
- Parque Yuexiu (Yue Xiu Park) (Yuexiu Park Station, line 2). The largest park in Guangzhou, Known for its natural beauty and historical monuments, including the famous Five Goats Sculpture.
- Isla Shamian (Shamian Island) (Huangsha Station, line 1). Historic area known for its European colonial architecture and peaceful streets, popular with tourists and photographers.
- Chimelong Safari Park (Chimelong Wildlife World) (Hanxi Changlong Station, line 3). A world-class safari park that is home to a wide variety of animal species in environments that mimic their natural habitats.
- Beijing Road Shopping District (Beijing Road) (Gongyuanqian Station, lines 1 y 2). One of the main commercial areas in Guangzhou, famous for its combination of modern shops and historic sites.
- Museo de Guangdong (Guangdong Provincial Museum) (Zhujiang New Town Station, lines 3 y 5). Offers a rich collection of artifacts that chronicle the cultural and natural history of Guangdong.
- Guangzhou Opera (Guangzhou Grand Theater) (Zhujiang New Town Station, lines 3 y 5). A modern architectural landmark that regularly hosts opera performances and other cultural events.
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (Sun Yat-sen Memorial) (Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station, line 2). Dedicated to Sun Yat-sen, an important revolutionary leader, This site offers exhibits about his life and Chinese history.