See how to ride Guangzhou Metro like a local: complete Guangzhou subway map, hours, tickets & tips!
Guangzhou Metro Map 2025
Credit: Wikipedia, See Full Guangzhou Metro Map
Let me tell you a secret - that colorful spaghetti-looking metro map isn't as complicated as it seems! I remember being totally overwhelmed on my first day here, but now I can help you master it in minutes.
I always tell my friends to think of the lines by color rather than numbers. Yellow line (Line 1) is your east-west bestie, blue line (Line 2) is perfect for north-south trips, and the orange line (Line 3) is your airport express buddy!
The real MVPs of the system are three super-convenient transfer stations.
- First up is Tiyu Xilu (think of it as the "shopping central") - this is where I always meet my friends because it's literally right under TeeMall, one of the city's biggest shopping centers.
- Then there's Gongyuanqian, my go-to for weekend adventures in the old town - it's perfect if you want to explore traditional streets and grab amazing dim sum.
- And Zhujiang New Town station - this is where I take all my visitors for those Ins-worthy shots of Canton Tower!
About Guangzhou Metro
Source: Wikipedia
Guangzhou metro system is basically the city's lifeline since 1997 and has grown into this incredible network of 17 lines covering pretty much everywhere you'd want to go. Over 8 million people (that's like the whole of New York City!) zip around daily on these super-clean, air-conditioned trains that run from early morning till midnight.
Quick Stats:
- 17 lines (and growing!)
- 323 stations across the city
- Super affordable (¥2-14 per trip)
- English signs everywhere
Guangzhou Metro Operating Hours
Source from Wikipedia
As of 2025, standard operating hours for most Guangzhou Metro lines are from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with extended hours during public holidays.
Line | First/Last Station |
Line 1 | Xilang / Guangzhou East Railway Station |
Line 2 | Jiaokou / Guangzhou South Railway Station |
Line 3 | Tianhe Coach Terminal / Panyu Square |
Line 5 | Wanggang / Guangzhou East Railway Station |
Line 7 | Guangzhou South Railway Station / Higher Education Mega Center South |
Line 8 | Wanshengwei / Fenghuang Xincun |
Line 11 | South Station / Canton Tower |
Line 12 | Jiaoxin / Zhangjiang |
Line 13 | Gacong / Shixi |
Intercity | Check specific schedules |
The other lines of the Guangzhou Metro (Line 4, Line 6, Line 9, Line 10, Line 14, Line 15, Line 16, and Line 18) generally follow the same operating hours as the lines listed above, from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM. Some lines may have slight variations, so passengers are encouraged to check specific schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Note: Operating hours are subject to change, especially during holidays or special events. For the most accurate and real-time information, passengers are advised to check the official Guangzhou Metro app or website before traveling.
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How to Buy Guangzhou Metro Ticket
Guangzhou Metro Ticket Types & Prices 💳
- Single-Journey Ticket: Priced between ¥2 and ¥14, depending on distance. Valid for 4 hours from purchase. Note: Keep it away from magnets, as they can deactivate the ticket.
- Guangzhou Transportation Smart Card (Yang Cheng Tong 羊城通): Initial cost of ¥50 (¥20 deposit + ¥30 stored value). Offers a 5% discount on regular fares. Available at metro customer service counters. Additional perks include use on buses, ferries, and in convenience stores. Refundable deposit upon return.
- Day Pass Options:
- 1-Day Pass: ¥20 for unlimited rides within 24 hours.
- 3-Day Tourist Pass: ¥50 for unlimited rides within 72 hours.
How to Buy Guangzhou Metro Tickets
- From Ticket Machines:
- Touch screen to start (English available).
- Select destination station.
- Choose number of tickets.
- Insert money (machines accept ¥5-¥100 notes).
- Collect ticket and change.
- From Service Counter:
If you're stuck, the service counters are open from early morning till about 10:30 PM, and the staff are usually happy to help, even if you just point to your destination on the map.
For more detailed information, refer to the official Guangzhou Metro website.
How to Ride the Guangzhou Metro
Entering the Station
- Find your entrance (marked A, B, C, D)
- Pass security check (bags through X-ray)
- Tap card/token on gate sensor
Pro tip: Keep right on escalators!
Finding Your Platform
- Follow line color signs
- Check direction based on terminal station
- Platform doors show next train timing
During Your Ride
- Trains run every 2-8 minutes
- Priority seats marked in red
- Stand behind yellow line
Peak hours: 7:30-9:30 AM, 5:30-7:30 PM
Exiting the Station
- Follow 'Exit' signs (出口)
- Insert token/tap card at gates
- Keep ticket until you're out
Note: Wrong exit can mean 15+ minute walks!
Popular Guangzhou Metro Lines & Where They Take You
Source from Wikipedia
Best Guangzhou Metro Lines for Tourists
- Line 1 (Yellow Line): This line covers major tourist spots, including:
- Shopping: Beijing Road Walking Street, TeeMall
- Culture: Chen Clan Academy, Peasant Movement Institute
- Transport Hub: Guangzhou East Railway Station
- Local Life: Shangxiajiu Street, Changshou Road
- Hotels: Many international hotels are along this line
- Line 3 (Orange Line): Your airport-to-city lifeline, offering:
- Airport Access: Direct service to Baiyun International Airport
- Landmarks: Canton Tower, Zhujiang New Town
- Business: Tianhe Business District
- Entertainment: Party Pier, Opera House area
- Sports: Tianhe Sports Center
- APM Line (Automated People Mover): A short but scenic route perfect for:
- Canton Tower views
- Zhujiang New Town skyline
- Haixinsha Island
- Guangzhou Opera House
- Evening river views
Source from Wikipedia
Best Lines for Shopping
Line | Major Shopping Destinations | Notable Stations |
Line 1 | TeeMall, Beijing Road | Tiyu Xilu, Gongyuanqian |
Line 3 | Grandview Mall, GT Land Plaza | Zhujiang New Town |
Line 5 | Wangfujing, Tai Koo Hui | Taojin, Tianhe Road |
APM | IFC Mall, IGC | Zhujiang New Town |
Best Guangzhou Metro Lines for Foodie
Follow these lines for the best eats:
- Line 1: Traditional Cantonese at Shangxiajiu
- Line 2: Seafood streets near Xiaogang
- Line 3: Modern restaurants at Zhujiang New Town
- Line 5: Famous old restaurants around Taojin
[8% Off] Guangzhou Hotels Recommodation
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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQs about Guangzhou Metro Map
How many metro stations are there in Guangzhou?
There are 309 metro stations in Guangzhou (if transfer stations are only counted once). As of July 2025, after the opening of Line 10, the western section of Line 12 and the eastern section of Line 12, the total operating scale of Guangzhou Metro has reached 751 km. If transfer stations are counted according to each line, there are 353 stations.What map app to use in Guangzhou?
You can use "Guangzhou Metro Pass" which can provide real - time updates on subway arrival information, voice - activated reminders, and exit planning. "Tencent Map" is also a good choice, which supports route inquiries for buses, cycling, and driving, and provides a variety of travel plans by referring to big - data information, as well as real - time route navigation and VR real - scene guidance. In addition, "Alipay" can also be used, which provides a number of life - service functions, including transportation and travel, and you can use the subway code in it to take the subway.How do I get to Guangzhou airport by metro?
You can take Metro Line 3 and get off at the Airport South Station, and you can directly reach the underground of T1 terminal. If you are at some transfer stations, such as Jiahewanggang Station, you can directly transfer to the northern extension section of Line 3 and get off at the Airport South Station.How to use Guangzhou Metro station?
First, you can plan your travel route in advance through the official WeChat subscription account or official APP of Guangzhou Metro, and check the station exit information to avoid taking wrong turns. When entering the station, you can choose to buy a single - journey ticket on - site (you can buy it at the vending machine or the customer service center, and you can pay by cash, WeChat, Alipay, etc.), or use the mobile phone subway code to scan the code to enter the station, and you can also use bank card quick - pass, Apple Pay and other methods to enter the station. When waiting on the platform, pay attention to the train operation direction information above the platform screen door to avoid getting on the wrong train. After getting on the train, pay attention to the station broadcast and the station arrival prompt on the screen. After arriving at the station, follow the exit guide in the station to leave the station, and scan the code or swipe the card to exit the station. If you encounter passenger control in the station, follow the on - site staff's instructions.Is it easy to travel around Guangzhou?
It is very convenient to travel around Guangzhou. Guangzhou has a well - developed transportation system. The subway network is extensive, covering most of the urban areas, which can easily take you to major commercial areas, scenic spots and transportation hubs. The bus lines are also very dense, which can meet the travel needs of different groups of people. In addition, Guangzhou is also vigorously promoting the construction of inter - city railways, and it is planned to achieve 30 - minute mutual access between the central urban areas of Guangzhou, Foshan and Dongguan, and 60 - minute access to other cities in the Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area by 2035. For long - distance travel, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has a large number of domestic and international routes, and the railway hub is well - developed, which can easily reach all parts of the country and the world. At the same time, the development of sharing economy has also made sharing bicycles and cars widely available in Guangzhou, providing more choices for short - distance travel.How to buy metro tickets in China?
- Purchase at the vending machine: You can buy single - journey tickets at the automatic ticket vending machines (TVM) in the subway station. Most vending machines support both cash and mobile payment. Cash - paying passengers can use 1 - yuan, 5 - yuan, 10 - yuan, and 20 - yuan banknotes and 1 - yuan coins. For mobile payment, just select the payment method such as WeChat, Alipay or UnionPay Flash Pay on the vending machine, and follow the prompts to complete the payment.
- Scan the code to enter the station: You can download the subway - specific APP of the city, such as the Guangzhou Metro APP, or use common payment APPs like Alipay and Yunshanfu. After opening the subway ride code function in the APP, you can scan the code to enter and exit the station.
- Use physical cards: Some cities support the use of transportation - specific cards, such as Beijing Yikatong, Shanghai Metro Card, etc. In addition, the national transportation card can also be used in most cities that have joined the national interoperability system. You can buy and recharge these cards at subway stations or designated sales points.
- Face - swiping ride: Some subway lines in some cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, support face - swiping ride. Passengers need to register and activate the relevant functions in the corresponding APP, and then they can directly pass through the turnstile by face - swiping at the face - recognition entrance and exit.