π Guangzhou Metro Guide
Navigate Guangzhou like a local - complete subway guide for international visitors
Operating Hours
6:00 AM - 23:30 PM
Some lines extended to 00:00 on weekends
Ticket Prices
Β₯2 - Β₯16 per trip
Distance-based fare system
Payment Methods
Guangzhou Metro Card, Alipay, WeChat Pay
Single-ride tickets available
Recommended App
Guangzhou Metro App
Official app with English support
Guangzhou Metro Map
High-resolution official English metro map. Click to zoom or download for offline use.
Essential Metro Information
π Operating Hours
Most Guangzhou metro lines operate from 6:00 AM to 23:30 PM daily. First trains typically depart around 6:00 AM, and last trains depart around 23:30 PM.
β οΈ Note: Operating hours may vary by line and station. Check station notices for specific timetables.
π° Ticket Prices
Metro fares are distance-based, typically ranging from Β₯2 to Β₯16 per trip:
- 0-6 km: Β₯2
- 6-12 km: Β₯3
- 12-22 km: Β₯4
- 22-32 km: Β₯5
- Over 32 km: Β₯6+ (additional Β₯1 per 20 km)
Children under 1.3 meters travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.
π« How to Buy Tickets
Option 1: Single Journey Ticket
Purchase at ticket vending machines (available in English) or staffed counters at any station. Cash and mobile payments accepted.
Option 2: Rechargeable Card (Recommended)
Buy a transit card at any station for a refundable deposit (usually Β₯20). Top up at machines or counters. Offers convenience and avoids ticket queues.
Option 3: Mobile Payment
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes to enter and exit stations. Look for the QR code scanner at gates.
π Riding Rules
- Queue up and let passengers exit before boarding
- Stand on the right on escalators; walk on the left
- No eating or drinking on trains or in stations
- Keep your ticket/card until you exit (you'll need it to leave the station)
- Priority seating is reserved for elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and passengers with young children
- No smoking anywhere in the station or on trains
Top Attractions & Nearest Stations
Quick reference for foreign tourists: attraction name, nearest metro station, line, exit, and walking time.
| Attraction | Nearest Station | Line | Exit | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canton Tower | Canton Tower | Line 3 / Line APM | Exit A | 1 min |
| Shamian Island | Huangsha | Line 1 / Line 6 | Exit B | 8 min |
| Chen Clan Ancestral Hall | Chen Clan Academy | Line 1 | Exit D | 2 min |
| Beijing Road Pedestrian Street | Gongyuanqian | Line 1 / Line 2 | Exit A | 3 min |
| Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) | Airport South / Airport North | Line 3 (Airport Express) | Exit A/B | Direct access |
| Zhujiang New Town | Zhujiang New Town | Line 3 / Line 5 | Exit A | 2 min |
| Tianhe Sports Center | Tianhe Sports Center | Line 1 | Exit B | 5 min |
| Yuexiu Park | Yuexiu Park | Line 2 | Exit B1 | 3 min |
| Guangzhou South Railway | Guangzhou South | Line 2 / 7 / 22 | Various | Direct access |
| Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street | Changshou Lu | Line 1 | Exit D1 | 8 min |
| Beijing Road Pedestrian Street | Line 6 | Beijing Lu (Exit B) | 2 min | Shopping street with 2000-year-old road ruins underground |
| Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street | Line 1/6 | Huangsha (Exit D) | 8 min | Traditional Cantonese shops and dim sum |
| Canton Tower | Line 3/APM | Canton Tower (Exit A) | 3 min | 600m tall, glass sky walk at 488m |
| Chimelong Safari Park | Line 3/7 | Hanxi Changlong (Exit E) | 5 min + shuttle | World's largest panda habitat outside Sichuan |
| Shamian Island | Line 6/8 | Huangsha (Exit F) | 10 min | Colonial architecture, great for photos |
Line Guide & Transfer Tips
Guangzhou Metro Line 3 (Orange Line)
Route: Tianhe Passenger Terminal β Panyu Square
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 23:30 PM
Major Attractions: Canton Tower, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe Sports Center
Key Transfer Stations:
- Tianhe Sports Center (Transfer to Line 1)
- Zhujiang New Town (Transfer to Line 5)
- Panyu Square (Transfer to Line 7)
How to Transfer Between Lines
- Follow the signs: Look for transfer signs with line colors and arrows
- Allow extra time: Transfers can take 5-15 minutes depending on station size
- Keep your ticket: You don't need to exit and re-enter; just follow transfer paths
- Use navigation apps: Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps show transfer routes
π‘ Pro Tips:
- During rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), transfers can be very crowded
- Some stations have multiple transfer passages - follow signs carefully
- If lost, ask station staff for help (many speak basic English)
π Guangzhou Food & Culture Tips
Guangzhou is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine! Don't miss these food experiences during your metro journey:
π₯ Must-Try Foods
- Dim Sum (ζ©θΆ) - Line 1/2, any station near old town
- Wonton Noodles (δΊει’) - Shangxiajiu area
- Roasted Goose (η§ιΉ ) - Line 2, Panyu Square area
- Rice Noodle Rolls (θ η²) - Breakfast everywhere
πΊοΈ Day Trip Suggestions
- Half Day: Chen Clan Academy β Shangxiajiu β Shamian Island (Line 1 + walking)
- Full Day: Yuexiu Park β Beijing Road β Tianhe (Line 2 + Line 1)
- Food Tour: Start at Line 1, explore old town eateries
Travel Tips for Foreigners
π± Essential Apps
- Baidu Maps / Gaode Maps: For route planning and real-time navigation
- Alipay / WeChat: For mobile payments (set up before your trip)
- Google Translate: Download offline Chinese package before traveling
- Guangzhou Metro App: For metro maps and planning
π£οΈ Language Barriers
Most metro signs are in both Chinese and English. However:
- Announcements are primarily in Chinese (some lines have English announcements)
- Station staff may not speak English - use translation apps
- Keep your destination written in Chinese characters as a backup
- Metro maps in English are available at information counters
π³ Payment Methods
Recommended: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip (requires Chinese bank account or international card binding).
Alternative: Buy a rechargeable transit card (Β₯20 refundable deposit + fare balance). Available at any station.
Emergency Option: Single journey tickets can be purchased with cash at vending machines (English interface available).
β° Rush Hour Avoidance
Avoid traveling during peak hours if possible:
- Morning Rush: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Evening Rush: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Trains can be extremely crowded, and you may need to wait for several trains to board.