Guangzhou Metro/Subway Guide: Full Lines, Stations & Travel Guide

Guangzhou Metro (广州地铁) is the core urban rail system serving Guangzhou (广州) and the broader Guangfo Metropolitan Area (广佛都市圈). It is one of the largest and busiest metro networks in China.

The system first opened in 1999 with Line 1. By May 2026, it has expanded to 19 operational lines, including intercity routes, tram lines, and automated people movers.

Today, the network covers 397 stations and over 779 km of track, connecting all 11 districts of Guangzhou and extending into parts of Foshan (佛山). It links major transport hubs such as Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (广州白云国际机场), Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站), key commercial districts, and top tourist attractions.

Line 1 (East–West Main Corridor)

Route Overview

• From: Guangzhou East Railway Station (广州东站)
• To: Xilang (西塱)
• Stations (East → West):
  Guangzhou East Railway Station (广州东站) → Tianhe Sports Center (体育中心) → Tiyu Xilu / Sports West Road (体育西路) → Yangji (杨箕) → Dongshankou (东山口) → Martyrs’ Park (烈士陵园) → Gongyuanqian (公园前) → Ximenkou (西门口) → Chen Clan Academy (陈家祠) → Changshou Road (长寿路) → Huangsha (黄沙) → Fangcun (芳村) → Huadiwan (花地湾) → Kengkou (坑口) → Xilang (西塱)

Highlights

This line connects Tianhe CBD, Beijing Road (北京路), and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street (上下九步行街), making it a key east–west commuter route.

Line 2 (North–South Backbone Line)

Stations (North → South)

Jiahewanggang (嘉禾望岗) → Baiyun Park (白云公园) → Baiyun Cultural Square (白云文化广场) → Sanyuanli (三元里) → Guangzhou Railway Station (广州火车站) → Yuexiu Park (越秀公园) → Memorial Hall (纪念堂) → Gongyuanqian (公园前) → Haizhu Square (海珠广场) → Jiangnanxi (江南西) → Changgang (昌岗) → Jiangtai Road (江泰路) → Xiaogang (晓港) → Sun Yat-sen University (中大) → Lujing (鹭江) → Kecun (客村) → Pazhou (琶洲) → Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站)

Highlights

A major north–south axis linking Guangzhou South Railway Station, Guangzhou Railway Station, and central business districts.

Line 3 (Airport & Express Line)

Stations (Main Line North → South)

Airport North (机场北) → Airport South (机场南) → Renhe (人和) → Baiyun Avenue North (白云大道北) → Meihuayuan (梅花园) → Yantang (燕塘) → Tiyu Xilu (体育西路) → Zhujiang New Town (珠江新城) → Canton Tower (广州塔) → Kecun (客村) → Dashi (大石) → Hanxi Chimelong (汉溪长隆) → Shiqiao (市桥) → Panyu Square (番禺广场)

Branch Line

Tianhe Coach Terminal (天河客运站) → Wushan (五山) → South China Normal University (华师) → Gangding (岗顶) → Shipaiqiao (石牌桥) → Tiyu Xilu (体育西路)

Highlights

The airport express line and busiest metro route, connecting Chimelong Resort (长隆旅游度假区) and Canton Tower (广州塔).

Line 4 (Southbound Rapid Line)

Stations (North → South)

Huangcun (黄村) → Chebei South (车陂南) → Wanshengwei (万胜围) → University Town North (大学城北) → University Town South (大学城南) → Shiqi (石碁) → Dongchong (东涌) → Jinzhou (金洲) → Nansha Passenger Port (南沙客运港)

Highlights

Connects Guangzhou University Town (广州大学城) and Nansha District (南沙区) with scenic Pearl River views.

Line 5 (East–West Corridor Line)

Stations (West → East)

Jiaokou (滘口) → Tanwei (坦尾) → Guangzhou Railway Station (广州火车站) → Xiaobei (小北) → Taojin (淘金) → Yangji (杨箕) → Tiyu Xilu (体育西路) → Zhujiang New Town (珠江新城) → Yuancun (员村) → Chebei South (车陂南) → Wenchong (文冲)

Highlights

A key east–west route through Zhujiang New Town CBD and Huangpu Port area (黄埔港).

Line 6 (Cultural & Old Town Line)

Stations (West → East)

Tanwei (坦尾) → Huangsha (黄沙) → Cultural Park (文化公园) → Beijing Road (北京路) → Haizhu Square (海珠广场) → Dongshankou (东山口) → Yantang (燕塘) → Tianhe Coach Terminal (天河客运站) → Botanical Garden (植物园) → Longdong (龙洞) → Xianjiang (香雪)

Highlights

A scenic cultural route connecting Beijing Road (北京路), Shamian Island area (沙面), and Huangpu Science City.

Line 7 (Chimelong Line)

Stations (West → East)

Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站) → Hanxi Chimelong (汉溪长隆) → University Town South (大学城南) → Water West (水西) → Yanshan (燕山)

Highlights

Direct access to Chimelong Safari Park (长隆野生动物世界) and Guangzhou South hub.

Line 8 (North–South Hai Zhu Line)

Stations (North → South)

Jiaoxin (滘心) → Chen Clan Academy (陈家祠) → Shayuan (沙园) → Xiaogang (晓港) → Sun Yat-sen University (中大) → Kecun (客村) → Pazhou (琶洲) → Wanshengwei (万胜围)

Highlights

Connects Canton Fair Complex (琶洲会展中心) and Haizhu commercial areas.

Line 11 (Ring Line)

Stations (Clockwise Ring)

Canton Tower (广州塔) → Tianhe Park (天河公园) → South China Normal University (华师) → Tianhe Coach Terminal (天河客运站) → Yantang (燕塘) → Guangzhou Railway Station (广州火车站) → Chen Clan Academy (陈家祠) → Shayuan (沙园) → Jiangtai Road (江泰路) → Xiaogang (晓港) → Sun Yat-sen University (中大) → Kecun (客村) → Canton Tower (广州塔)

Highlights

A major loop line connecting 14 transfer stations for fast cross-city travel.

Line 14 (Northern Express Line)

Stations (South → North)

Jiahewanggang (嘉禾望岗) → Taihe (太和) → Zhongluotan (钟落潭) → Conghua Passenger Station (从化客运站) → Dongfeng (东风)

Branch Line

Xinhe (新和) → Knowledge City (知识城) → Zhenlong (镇龙)

Highlights

Fast access to Conghua (从化) and Knowledge City (知识城).

Line 18 (Bay Area Express Line)

Stations (North → South)

Guangzhou East Railway Station (广州东站) → Modiesha (磨碟沙) → South Village Wanbo (南村万博) → Panyu Square (番禺广场) → Wanqingsha (万顷沙)

Highlights

A 160 km/h high-speed metro, linking Tianhe CBD to Nansha in just 30 minutes.

Line 21 (Zengcheng Express Line)

Stations (West → East)

Tianhe Park (天河公园) → Science City (科学城) → Water West (水西) → Zhenlong (镇龙) → Zhongxin (中新) → Zengcheng Square (增城广场)

Highlights

Connects Zengcheng District (增城区) with science and education zones.

Line 22 (Bay Area Fast Line)

Stations (North → South)

Fangcun (芳村) → Xilang (西塱) → Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站) → Panyu Square (番禺广场)

Highlights

A high-speed 160 km/h corridor linking Fangcun and Panyu.

Guangfo Line (Guangzhou–Foshan Intercity Line)

Stations (Guangzhou → Foshan)

Luochang (沥滘) → Shayuan (沙园) → Xilang (西塱) → Financial High-tech Zone (金融高新区) → Qiandeng Lake (千灯湖) → Foshan Ancestral Temple (祖庙) → Chao’an (朝安) → Zumiao (祖庙) → New City East (新城东)

Highlights

The core Guangzhou–Foshan integration line, essential for cross-city commuting.

APM Line (Automated People Mover)

Stations (North → South)

Linhexi (林和西) → Tianhe Sports Center South (体育中心南) → Huangpu Avenue (黄埔大道) → Opera House (大剧院) → Haixinsha (海心沙) → Canton Tower (广州塔)

Highlights

A fully automated train serving Zhujiang New Town sightseeing corridor.

THZ1 Tram Line (Haizhu Scenic Tram)

Stations (West → East)

Canton Tower (广州塔) → Canton Fair Complex (琶洲会展中心) → Pazhou Tower (琶洲塔) → Wanshengwei (万胜围)

Highlights

A scenic tram along the Pearl River, offering night views of Guangzhou Tower and exhibition center.

Guangzhou Metro Travel Guide

Key Transfer Hubs

• Tiyu Xilu (体育西路): CBD core, shopping access
• Gongyuanqian (公园前): Beijing Road historic district
• Guangzhou South Station (广州南站): high-speed rail hub
• Kecun (客村): Haizhu central interchange
• Jiahewanggang (嘉禾望岗): airport & northern hub

Travel Tips for Visitors

• Rush hours: 07:30–09:00 / 17:30–19:00
• Use QR code for faster entry
• Avoid Line 3 during peak hours (very crowded)
• Last trains vary by line (~23:00–23:30)
• Carry light luggage (strict size rules)

Top Attractions by Metro

• Canton Tower (广州塔): Line 3 / APM / Tram
• Chimelong Resort (长隆旅游度假区): Line 3 / Line 7
• Beijing Road (北京路): Line 1 / Line 6
• Shamian Island (沙面岛): Line 1 / Line 6
• Canton Fair (广交会): Line 8 / Tram Line
• Baiyun Mountain (白云山): Line 3 + bus transfer

The Guangzhou Metro (广州地铁) is one of the most advanced and extensive urban rail systems in the world. It connects historical districts, modern skyscraper zones, airports, and scenic attractions—making it the fastest and most efficient way to explore Guangzhou and the entire Pearl River Delta region.