Getting around Guangzhou? Take the metro! With 16 lines spanning 600+ km, it’s the fastest way to explore the city—from historic Liwan to bustling Tianhe, university towns to Baiyun Airport. Whether you're commuting, sightseeing, or catching a flight, this guide helps you navigate smoothly and save time.
Guangzhou Metro Map: A Stress-Free Resource
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Let me tell you a little secret: that rainbow-colored metro map may appear to be a mess at first, but it's actually much nicer than it looks! I can still picture me looking at the map, totally lost, during my first week in Guangzhou. Currently? Allow me to be your day's metro expert!
Guangzhou Metro Lines at a Glance
| Line | Color | Key Stations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Line 1 | Yellow | Ximenkou, Chen Clan Academy | Old town exploration |
Line 2 | Blue | Guangzhou South Station | High-speed rail connections |
Line 3 | Orange | Airport North, Canton Tower | Airport & landmark access |
Line 5 | Red | Zhujiang New Town | Business district |
Line 8 | Green | Pazhou | Canton Fair visits |
Key Transfer Stations & Tips
| Station | Connections | Local Secret |
|---|---|---|
Tiyu Xilu | Lines 1 & 3 | 24-hour convenience stores |
Gongyuanqian | Lines 1 & 2 | Hidden dim sum shops nearby |
Zhujiang New Town | Lines 3 & 5 | Perfect sunset photo spot |
Guangzhou South | Lines 2 & 7 | 30-min early for train security |
Smart tips:
- Avoid peak hours 7:30–9:30 and 17:00–19:00.
- Use WeChat Pay or Alipay for payment.
- Airport Advice: Give yourself 70 minutes to get to the airport from downtown.
- Free WiFi: Join the "Guangzhou Metro" network
How to Use the Metro in Guangzhou
credit: wikipedia
Guangzhou Metro Overview
One of China's biggest subway networks is the Guangzhou Metro. It has grown to more than 15 lines since its 1997 launch, covering more than 600 kilometers and providing service to both downtown Guangzhou and neighboring areas like Foshan. Trains have short wait times during peak hours and run from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Useful Information for Travelers
The metro makes it simple to get to well-known sites, including Shamian Island, Beijing Road, and Canton Tower. The ticket machines accept cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay, and the stations have signs in both Chinese and English.
Guangzhou Metro at a Glance
Feature | Info | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Number of Lines | 15+ | Includes links to Foshan |
Total Network Length | 600+ km | One of the longest in China |
Operating Hours | 06:00–23:00 | Varies slightly by line |
Train Frequency | Every 3–8 minutes | Shorter waits during peak hours |
Types and Costs of Guangzhou Metro Tickets
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Metro Ticket Types and What They Cost in Guangzhou
- One-Trip Pass: Depending on the distance travelled, fares vary from $0.28 to $1.96. After being purchased, tickets are good for four hours. To keep tickets from being deactivated, keep them away from magnets.
- Guangzhou Transportation Smart Card: The card has a $7 initial cost, which includes a $4.20 stored value and a $2.80 refundable deposit. In addition to being accepted on buses, ferries, and at some convenience stores, it offers a 5% discount on metro fares. At metro customer service desks, cards can be bought and recharged. When the card is returned, the deposit is reimbursed.
Options for Day Passs
- Unlimited rides for a whole day are available for $2.80 with a 1-Day Pass.
- $7 for a three-day tourist pass that allows unlimited rides for 72 hours.
How to Buy Guangzhou Metro Tickets
- From Ticket Machines: Start by tapping the screen; there is an English language option. Decide how many tickets you'll need and your location. Put money in the machine (notes ranging from ¥5 to ¥100, or around $0.70 to $14, are accepted). Get your ticket and any changes after that.
- From Service Counters: The service counters are manned and open from early in the morning until approximately 10:30 at night. Simply pointing to your destination on the map will get you assistance from the helpful and amiable staff.
Guangzhou Metro: Important Lines and Major Stops
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Popular Metro Lines in Guangzhou
Guangzhou Metro connects important neighborhoods, transportation hubs, and tourism destinations with a number of important lines. Lines 1, 2, and 3 are the busiest lines. By connecting retail centers, historical landmarks, and the airport, these lines benefit both residents and tourists.
Where the Main Lines Take You
Metro Line | Key Route | Notable Stops & Destinations |
|---|---|---|
Line 1 | Xilang ↔ Guangzhou East Railway Station | Tiyu Xilu (shopping), Chen Clan Academy (culture), Guangzhou Railway Station |
Line 2 | Guangzhou South Railway Station ↔ Jiahewanggang | Haizhu Square, Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou South Railway Station |
Line 3 | Tianhe Coach Terminal ↔ Baiyun Airport | Tianhe Coach Terminal, Tianhe Sports Center, Baiyun Airport |
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Guangzhou Hotels Recommendation
The Top Hotels in Guangzhou
There are many different hotels in Guangzhou to accommodate a range of spending limits and tastes. There are many options available, whether you're looking for lavish lodgings close to the city center, business hotels near transportation hubs, or reasonably priced lodging for tourists on a tight budget. Accommodations in Tianhe District, Yuexiu District, and the vicinity of Guangzhou South Railway Station are popular.
Places to Stay in Guangzhou
- The Tianhe District is Guangzhou's contemporary center for business and shopping, including a number of high-end hotels and convenient access to metro lines.
- The Yuexiu District has mid-range hotels and guesthouses and is closer to government buildings and historic monuments.
- A number of low- and mid-range hotels are located close to Guangzhou South Railway Station, making it the perfect destination for visitors arriving by high-speed rail.
Area | Hotel Name | Rating | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Tianhe District | ★★★★★ | Luxury business hotel, convenient transport, close to shopping | |
★★★★ | Good value, well-equipped, near metro station | ||
Yuexiu District | ★★★★ | Close to cultural sites, elegant environment | |
★★★★ | Quality service, easy access, great for sightseeing | ||
Near Guangzhou South Railway Station | ★★★★ | Close to high-speed rail, affordable, ideal for short stays |
FAQs – Guangzhou Metro
What are the operating hours of Guangzhou Metro?
The majority of lines operate between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM, though specific schedules may differ significantly according on the line.Is the Guangzhou Metro safe?
Yes, the metro is regarded as clean, safe, and well-kept.What is the cost of a Guangzhou Metro ride?
The fare varies according to the distance traveled, from around ¥2 to ¥14 (around $0.30 to $2).