Shenzhen is a vast and busy city in southern China, with more than 17 million inhabitants. It is also known as a technological and shopping hub. However, getting around can be so clumsy without proper planning. The metro will be the most ideal mode of transport regardless of whether you are visiting this town to have fun or you are staying.
The Shenzhen Metro guide is designed to make you navigate the subway in this city easily. The Shenzhen Metro commenced in 2004 and expanded tremendously. It currently serves more than 16 lines, in addition to 300 stations, which link every section of the city.
Don’t miss visiting the business areas in Futian and the shopping streets in Luohu. You can use a Shenzhen metro card to get around easily and reach your flights on time.
Shenzhen Metro: A Sight to See!
The Shenzhen Metro is an extensive modern metro network with a length of more than 500 kilometers. There are 16 lines in it, and they are of various colors to make it easier.
For example, Line 1 (green) passes between Luohu and the airport, and Line 4 (red) between Futian and Qinghu. The trains run at an average time of 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM, and during peak times, the trains take the shape of 2-3 minute intervals.
Big stations like Futian connect several lines and even high-speed trains. The airport is close to other Shenzhen subway stations, such as Bao’an Centre. It has clean trains with air conditioning, and in some of the stations, free Wi-Fi is provided.
There are Chinese and English signs and announcements, and therefore, visitors have an easy time understanding them. Another good thing about the system is that it is linked to Hong Kong, where day trips are possible.
How to Get a Shenzhen Metro Card
A Shenzhen metro card, also known as a Shenzhen Tong Card, is required to ride the metro. The card is fast and cheap in terms of ride payment as opposed to purchasing single tickets.
You can get one at any Shenzhen metro station from ticket machines or service desks. It costs about 20-50 RMB to buy.
At a ticket machine, choose the English option, pick the card, and pay with cash or apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Foreign credit cards might not work, so have some money ready.
The card works for the metro, buses, and even some shops, which is super handy. Tourists can get a temporary card, but the regular one is better if you’re staying longer.
You can’t get a refund for the card when you leave, but any money left on it can be used elsewhere in Guangdong.
How to Add Money to Your Card
Keeping money on the card is easy with Shenzhen Metro card recharge. Go to a ticket machine at any station, put in your card, and add money using cash or mobile apps. You can add as little as 10 RMB at a time.
The Shenzhen Metro app is a great tool. It lets you check your card’s balance and add money from your phone.
If you don’t have the app, station staff can help, but machines are faster during busy hours. Always make sure your card has enough money for your trip to avoid problems at the gates.
If you lose your card, tell the staff at a station. If you registered your card on the app, you can move the money to a new card. That’s why it’s smart to register your card when you get it.
Finding Your Way in Stations
Walking into a Shenzhen metro station is simple. Look for the metro logo outside, and you’ll find entrances with security checks. You’ll need to scan your bags and walk through a metal detector, so don’t bring too much stuff.
Inside, there are escalators and elevators to get to the platforms. Stations also have braille maps for people who can’t see well.
To plan your trip, check the big maps on the walls or use digital screens. Stations where lines meet, like Chegongmiao, have clear signs with colors to show you where to go.
There are screens on trains telling you the next stop, and apps can give you the information on whether there is a delay or a crowd.
The most common are Line 1 to Hong Kong and Line 5 to Shenzhen North Station. Other stations, such as Window of the World, are busy during events and thus take up additional time.
Switching Lines Easily
Transferring between lines on the Shenzhen Metro is common. At interchange stations, you can switch trains without leaving the paid area. Just follow the colored line signs and arrows to find your way.
For example, the exchange of Line 2 with Line 8 in Huangbeiling is fast since the platforms are near. However, in bigger stations like the Shenzhen University, you may have to go a little further.
Allow yourself 5-10 minutes to switch lines when lines are long. Buses and high-speed trains can also be linked to the metro at such locations as Futian.
The Shenzhen Metro App or the Baidu Maps can assist you in planning trips in which you can take a bus or train to such a place as Huaqiangbei market.
How Much Does It Cost?
The prices of Metro are based on the distance traveled. Single trips will be approximately 2 RMB, and long journeys in the city will be 10-15 RMB.
Individual tickets are priced high compared to riding on a Shenzhen metro card, which allows you a 20% discount in case of extensive travelling on a given day.
Some gates also accept WeChat or Alipay with QR code, which is excellent, or in case you do not carry a card.
Always try to use the card or phone when entering and leaving to pay the correct amount of money. Otherwise, you will pay the highest fare because you forgot to tap out.
Looking to save money, go when there is no rush, or use the app to view special offers. There are other lines that are cheaper at times.
Tips for a Great Metro Ride
Here are some simple tips to make your metro trips better:
- Do plan your route with an app to avoid getting lost.
- Do stand on the right side of escalators so others can pass on the left
- Do give seats to older people, pregnant women, or those with disabilities.
- Do keep your wallet or phone safe in crowded trains.
- Don’t eat or drink on trains; it’s not allowed and can get you a fine.
- Don’t push to get on trains; wait in line at marked spots on the platform.
- Don’t stand in front of train doors; let people get off first.
Also, download offline maps in case your phone signal is weak. Bring a portable charger because stations don’t have many outlets. Kids under 1.2 meters tall ride free with an adult.
Resources for Metro Riders
Some tools can make riding the metro easier. The Shenzhen Metro website and app show train times, routes, and station info.
Apps like Baidu Maps or Amap help with navigation too. At stations, information desks have staff to answer questions, and tourist centers give out English maps.
You can register your card on the app to keep your money safe. These are all free public tools, so you don’t need special links to use them.
FAQ Section
What time does the Shenzhen Metro run?
Metro operates between 6.30 AM and 11.00 PM. Trains are the last ones around 10:30 PM, though, with different times depending on the line. Verify the Shenzhen Metro application to find out the precise schedule, and in case the hours can vary due to a holiday.
Are there English signs in Shenzhen metro stations?
Yes, maps, exits, and announcements are in English and Chinese at most stations. There are train screens with both languages. In case of difficulties, seek the assistance of the staff or use a translation app; not every staff member speaks English.
Do I pay for my foreign credit card?
Ticket machines do not always accept foreign credit cards. Apple Pay can be used at select gates; however, cash payments, WeChat Pay, or Alipay are more trusted to purchase or add money to the cards.
What happens if I lose my Shenzhen metro card?
Report to the station staff in case you lose your card. Provided that it is registered on the app, it is possible to transfer the money to a new card. Otherwise, you lose the money. Be sure to always register your card.
Wrapping Up
One of the fastest, convenient, and clean ways of transportation is a ride on the metro to explore the adventurous city of Shenzhen.
It is the most suitable system among the tourists and locals due to the presence of English labels, useful apps, and well-marked walks.
With tips and the help of references like the metro app, you would be able to move around in Shenzhen like a native and reach your destination, whether it is a shopping area or Hong Kong, without issues.
To learn the latest news about the Shenzhen Metro, visit Shenzhen Post to keep yourself updated.