Shenzhen’s Metro network now has 14 lines and one spur line in service, operated by Shenzhen Metro Group Co. Ltd. and MTR Corporation (Shenzhen) Ltd.

Shenzhen Metro Group Co. Ltd., founded July 31, 1998, is a large-scale sole proprietorship State-owned enterprise (SOE) under the direct management of the city government's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and is responsible for the construction and operation of Shenzhen's rail transit network. The company's business scope covers construction and operation of the Metro network, investment and financing, resources operation and property management, among others.

The other operator of the city's Metro network is MTR Corporation (Shenzhen) Ltd. that manages Line 4. Founded in March 2004, MTR Shenzhen is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong's MTR Corporation Limited and has been granted franchise rights to the operation of Line 4 for 30 years since its inauguration. The company is also responsible for the investment and construction of the second and third phases of Line 4, also known as the Longhua Line.

Sun Yat-sen University Station on the spur line of Shenzhen Metro's Line 6. Photo from Shenzhen Metro's website

Metro lines:

Line 1 (Luobao Line): Luohu—Airport East

Stretching more than 40 kilometers from Luohu District to Bao'an District and with stops in Futian and Nanshan districts, Metro Line 1 has 30 stations, including two elevated stations and 12 transfer stations.

The Line 1 stations are: Luohu, Guomao, Laojie, Grand Theater, Science Museum, Huaqiang Road, Gangxia, Convention & Exhibition Center, Shopping Park, Xiangmihu, Chegongmiao, Zhuzilin, Qiaocheng East, OCT, Window of the World, Baishizhou, Hi-Tech Park, Shenzhen University, Taoyuan, Daxin, Liyumen, Qianhaiwan, Xin'an, Bao'an Center, Bao'an Stadium, Pingzhou, Xixiang, Gushu, Hourui, and Airport East.

The line operates from 6:30 a.m. on workdays and 6:20 a.m. on weekends to 11:40 p.m.

Lines 2 and 8: Chiwan—Yantian Road

Line 2 connects Chiwan in Shekou, Nanshan Districts, with Yantian Road in Yantian District, covering Futian and Luohu District. It has 38 stations, including 12 interchange stations, all underground. The portion from Liantang station through the eastern terminal Yantian Road station is identified as Line 8.

The Line 2 and 8 stations are: Chiwan, Shekou Port, Sea World, Shuiwan, Dongjiaotou, Wanxia, Haiyue, Dengliang, Houhai, Keyuan, Hongshuwan, Window of the World, Qiaocheng North, Shenkang, Antuo Hill, Qiaoxiang, Xiangmi, Xiangmei North, Jingtian, Lianhua West, Futian, Civic Center, Gangxia North, Huaqiang North, Yannan, Grand Theater, Hubei, Huangbeiling, Xinxiu, Liantang Checkpoint, Xianhu Road, Liantang, Wutong Mountain South, Shatoujiao, Haishan, Yantian Port West, Shenwai Senior High Campus and Yantian Road.

The first train leaves Chiwan at 6:04 a.m., and the first train leaves Huangbeiling to Chiwan at 6:04 a.m., while the first train from Huangbeiling to Liantang starts operation at 6:24 a.m.

The last train leaves Chiwan at 11 p.m. to Liantang, and it is extended to midnight during public holidays. The last train from Huangbeiling to Chiwan leaves at 11:37 p.m., while to Liantang leaves at 12:02 a.m., and the services are extended to 12:27 a.m. and 1:02 a.m., respectively, during public holidays.

Line 3 (Longgang Line): Futian Bonded Area—Shuanglong

Metro Line 3 that connects Futian with Luohu and Longgang districts has 31 stations, including 13 interchange stations with other lines.

The Line 3 stations are: Futian Bonded Area, Yitian, Shixia, Shopping Park, Futian, Children's Palace, Lianhuacun, Huaxin, Tongxinling, Hongling, Laojie, Shaibu, Cuizhu, Tianbei, Shuibei, Caopu, Buji, Mumianwan, Dafen, Danzhutou, Liuyue, Tangkeng, Henggang, Yonghu, He’ao, Universiade, Ailian, Jixiang, Longcheng Square, Nanlian, and Shuanglong.

The first train to Shuanglong leaves the Futian Bonded Area at 6:17 a.m. and the last train at 11 p.m. The service of the last train is extended to midnight during public holidays. The first train from Shuanglong to Futian Bonded Area leaves at 6:19 a.m. and the last train at 11 p.m. or at midnight during public holidays.

Line 4 (Longhua Line): Futian Checkpoint—Niuhu

Operated by MTR Corporation (Shenzhen) Ltd., Line 4 is a major south-north subway in Shenzhen, linking Futian and Longhua District and has stations at busy areas such as Shenzhen North Railway Station, the Civic Center, and the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. It has 23 stations, including one at ground level and eight elevated ones. It is connected to other Metro lines at eight stations.

The Line 4 stations are: Futian Checkpoint, Fumin, Convention & Exhibition Center, Civic Center, Children's Palace, Lianhua North, Shangmeilin, Minle, Baishilong, Shenzhen North Station, Hongshan, Shangtang, Longsheng, Longhua, Qinghu, Qinghu North, Zhucun, Xikeng, Changhu, Guanlan, Songyuanxia, Mission Hills, and Niuhu.

The first train leaves Futian Checkpoint at 6:34 a.m. and the last train leaves at 11 p.m. The first train leaves Niuhu at 6:30 a.m. and the last train at 11 p.m.

Line 5 (Huanzhong Line): Chiwan—Huangbeiling

Metro Line 5 is a circular line that links Nanshan, Bao'an, Longhua, Longgang and Luohu district. Currently, it has 34 stations in service, including 11 interchange stations.

The Line 5 stations are: Chiwan, Liwan, Railway Park, Mawan, Qianwan Park, Qianwan, Guiwan, Qianhaiwan, Linhai, Baohua, Bao'an Center, Fanshen, Lingzhi, Honglang North, Xingdong, Liuxiandong, Xili, University Town, Tanglang, Changlingpi, Shenzhen North Station, Minzhi, Wuhe, Bantian, Yangmei, Shangshuijing, Xiashuijing, Changlong, Buji, Baigelong, Buxin, Tai'an, Yijing, and Huangbeiling.

The first train leaves Chiwan at 6:02 a.m. on workdays and at 6:18 a.m. on weekends and during public holidays, and Huangbeiling at 6:02 a.m. on workdays and 6:20 a.m. on weekends and during public holidays. The last train leaves Chiwan at 11:13 p.m. on workdays, at 11 p.m. on weekends and at midnight during public holiday; the last train leaves Huangbeiling at 11 p.m. on weekdays, at 11:03 p.m. on weekends and at 12:03 a.m. during public holidays.

Line 6: Science Museum—Songgang

Metro Line 6 that started operation Aug. 18, 2020 links Bao'an, Guangming, Longhua, Luohu and Futian districts. It has 27 stations, including 15 elevated ones and eight interchanges stations. The subway has a branch line of seven stations, among which four of the first construction phase are in service connecting Guangming Station and SIAT Station.

The Line 6 stations are: Science Museum, Tongxinling, Sports Center, Bagualing, Yinhu, Hanling, Meilinguan, Shenzhen North, Hongshan, Shangfen, Yuanfen, Yangtai Mountain East, Guantian, Shangwu, Changzhen, Fenghuang Town, Guangming St, Guangming, Science Park, Loucun, Honghuashan, Gongming Square, Heshuikou, Shutianpu, Songgang Park, Xitou, and Songgang.

The first train leaves Science Museum at 6:10 a.m. on weekdays, and at 6:20 a.m. on weekends and during public holidays; the first train leaves Songgang at 6:20 a.m. The last train leaves Science Museum at 11 p.m. and at midnight during public holidays; the last train leaves Songgang at 11:07 p.m. on weekdays, at 11 p.m. on weekends, and at midnight during public holidays.

The first train of the branch line leaves Guangming at 6:35 a.m., and leaves SIAT at 6:27 a.m. The last train leaves Guangming at 11:30 p.m. and at 12:30 a.m. during public holidays, and leaves SIAT at 11:30 p.m. and at 12:30 a.m. during public holidays.

Line 7 (Xili Line): Xili Lake—Tai'an

Stretching more than 30 kilometers through Nanshan, Futian and Luohu districts, Metro Line 7 has 28 stations, all underground, including 12 interchange stations.

Its stations are: Xili Lake, Xili, Chaguang, Zhuguang, Longjing, Taoyuancun, Shenyun, Antuo Hill, Nonglin, Chegongmiao, Shangsha, Shawei, Shixia, Huanggangcun, Fumin, Huanggang Checkpoint, Fulin, Chiwei, Huaqiang South, Huaqiang North, Huaxin, Huangmugang, Bagualing, Hongling North, Sungang, Honghu, Tianbei, and Tai'an.

The first train leaves Xili Lake at 6:15 a.m. on weekdays, and at 6:20 a.m. on weekends and during public holidays, and the last train leaves Xili Lake at 11 p.m. and at midnight during public holiday. The first train leaves Tai'an at 6:20 a.m. and the last train leaves at 11 p.m. and at midnight during holidays.

Line 9 (Meilin Line): Qianwan—Wenjin

Metro Line 9 stretches more than 36 kilometers to connect Nanshan with Futian and Luohu districts. It has 32 stations, all underground, 10 of which are interchange stations.

Its stations are: Qianwan, Menghai, Yihai, Lilin, Nanyou West, Nanyou, Nanshan Book City, Shenzhen University South, Yuehaimen, Gaoxin South, Hongshuwan South, Shenwan, Shenzhen Bay Park, Xiasha, Chegongmiao, Xiangmei, Jingtian, Meijing, Xiameilin, Meicun, Shangmeilin, Maling, Yinhu, Nigang, Hongling North, Yuanling, Hongling, Hongling South, Ludancun, Renmin South, Xiangxicun, and Wenjin.

Line 9 starts operation at 6:20 a.m., and stops services at 11 p.m. and at midnight during holidays.

Line 10: Shuangyong St.—Futian Checkpoint

Covering 29.31 kilometers, Metro Line 10 connects Futian and Longgang districts. It has 24 underground stations, among which seven are interchange stations.

Its stations are: Shuangyong St., Pinghu, Hehua, Huanancheng, Mugu, Shanglilang, Liangmao Hill, Gankeng, Xuexiang, Gangtou, Huawei, Bei'er Rd., Bantian North, Wuhe, Guangyayuan, Nankeng, Yabao, Maling, Dongguanling, Lianhuacun, Gangxia North, Gangxia, Fumin, and Futian Checkpoint.

The first train leaves Futian Checkpoint at 6:04 a.m. on weekdays, at 6:20 a.m. on weekends and at 6:12 a.m. during holidays, and the last train leaves Futian Checkpoint at 11 p.m. and at midnight during holidays.

Line 11: Gangxia North—Bitou

One of the busiest subways in Shenzhen, Line 11 stretches from Futian CBD to Bao'an District, passing by Nanshan and the greater airport area. Extending about 41 kilometers, including an 11.14-kilometer elevated section, the subway has 19 stations, among which four are elevated ones. Line 11 is the only Metro line in Shenzhen that has designated business carriages and that can run up to 120 km/h on a high speed track. It has 10 interchange stations.

Its stations are: Gangxia North, Futian, Chegongmiao, Hongshuwan South, Houhai, Nanshan, Qianhaiwan, Bao'an, Bihaiwan, Airport, Airport North, Fuyong, Qiaotou, Tangwei, Ma’an Hill, Shajing, Houting, Songgang, and Bitou.

The first Bao'an-bound train leaves Gangxia North at 6:15 a.m. on weekdays, at 6 a.m. on weekends and at 6:20 a.m. during public holidays; the last train leaves at 11:30 p.m. The first Futian-bound train leaves Bitou at 6:05 a.m. on weekdays and at 6:17 a.m. on weekends and during holidays; the last train leaves at 11:36 p.m.

Line 12: Zuopaotai East—Waterlands Resort East

One of the city's newest Metro lines, Line 12 started service Nov. 28, 2022 and connects Nanshan's Shekou area in southwest Shenzhen with the northernmost area in Bao'an District. Extending 40.56 kilometers, the 33-station Line 12 is a driverless subway line that utilizes full automation technologies.

Its stations are: Zuopaotai East, Taiziwan, Sea World, Huaguoshan, Sihai, Nanyou, Nanguang, Nanshan, Taoyuan, Nantou Ancient Town, Zhongshan Park, Tongle South, Xin'an Park, Lingzhi, Shangchuan, Liutang, Bao'an Passenger Transport Terminal, Baotian 1st Road, Pingluan Hill, Xixiang Taoyuan, Zhongwu South, Huangtian, Xingwei, Airport East, Fuwei, Huaide, Fuyong, Qiaotou West, Fuhai West, Shenzhen World Convention & Exhibition Center, Shenzhen World Convention & Exhibition Center North, Waterlands Resort South, Waterlands and Resort East.

The first Bao'an-bound train leaves Zuopaotai East at 6:20 a.m. on weekdays and at 6:12 a.m. on weekends; the last train leaves at 11 p.m. The first Nanshan-bound train leaves Waterlands Resort East at 6:20 a.m. on weekdays and at 6:08 a.m. on weekends; the last train leaves at 11 p.m.

Line 14: Gangxia North—Shatian

Metro Line 14, put into operation Oct. 28, 2022, connects Futian, Luohu, Longgang and Pingshan districts. Dubbed "the Eastern Express Rail Transit Line" of Shenzhen, The 50.34-kilometer-long subway has only 18 stations, all underground, five of which are interchange stations. It is also a fully-automated subway line.

Its stations are: Gangxia North, Huangmugang, Luohu North, Buji, Shiyaling, Liuyue North, Silian, Ao'bei, Universiade, Zhangbei, Nanyue, Baolong, Jinlong, Pingshanwei, Pingshan Square, Pingshan Center, Kengzi, and Shatian.

The subway line starts operation at 6 a.m., and Futian-bound train services stop at 11 p.m., while Pingshan-bound train services end at 11:30 p.m.

Line 16: Universiade in Longgang—Tianxin in Pingshan

Metro Line 16 is another subway line that has recently started service in Shenzhen. Put into operation Dec. 28, 2022, the line connects Longgang District with Pingshan District. Currently covering 29.2 kilometers, Line 16 has 24 stations, all underground, with three being interchange stations.

The Line 16 stations are: Tianxin, Shenzhen Technology University, Shijing, Yanzi Lake, Shabo, Dongzong Column Memorial Hall, Pinghuan, Pingshanwei, Liuhe, Xinhe, Pingshan, Baolong Tongle, Longdong, Xintangwei, Shuanglong, Longyuan, Shengping, Shangjing, Huilongpu, Yuyuan, Huanggekeng, Longcheng Park, Universiade Center, and Universiade.

Pingshan-bound train services start at 6 a.m., while Longgang-bound trains start at 5:43 a.m. The line stops operation at 11 p.m.

Line 20: Airport North—Convention & Exhibition City

Currently the shortest line of Shenzhen's rail transit network, the south-north Line 20 extends 8.43 kilometers in Bao'an District from Airport North to Convention &Exhibition City with only five underground stations.

Its stations are: Airport North, Shenzhen World Convention & Exhibition Center South, Shenzhen World Convention & Exhibition Center, Shenzhen World Convention & Exhibition Center North, and Convention & Exhibition City.

The line starts operation at 7 a.m. and suspends at 10 p.m.

Shenzhentong card

It is highly recommended to obtain a Shenzhentong card for public transport in Shenzhen. The Shenzhen equivalent of Hong Kong's Octopus card, the Shenzhentong card is a contactless prepaid card that is simple to use on the Metro and on most buses in the city. The physical Shenzhen Tong card is available for sale at most Metro stations, some grocery stores, as well as Shenzhentong outlets, where users can also top up the cards.

You can get access to your digital Shenzhentong card through the WeChat mini-program on your mobile photo. It is also possible to use a Huawei phone as a physical Shenzhentong. Huawei phones have NFC, or near field communication, which allows direct charges from your WeChat or bank account.

Shenzhentong cardholders are eligible for discounts of up to 35% on public buses and a 5% discount on Metro.

A physical Shenzhentong card costs 20 yuan, which is refundable when it is returned. The card can be returned at its customer service sites at Laojie Station, Convention & Exhibition Center Station and Bao’an Center Station.

Service hotline:86699000

Follow the official WeChat public account of Shenzhen Tong at "sztgzh."