FOUR new Shenzhen Metro sections will begin service by the end of this year, bringing the total number of new lines or extensions launched this year to six. Once operational, the city’s total rail transit network will span 635 kilometers, according to transport authorities.

The new sections are the western extension of Line 5, Phase III of Line 8, the Hongling South section of Line 11’s Phase II, and the northern section of Line 13’s Phase I.

The 2.88-km western extension of Line 5 starts at the existing Huangbeiling Station and adds three new stations — Hubei, Dongmen, and Grand Theater. This segment connects the bustling core areas of Luohu District. Dongmen Station offers direct access to shopping centers, and Grand Theater Station provides convenient transfers to Line 1 and Line 2.

Line 11’s Phase II extends from Gangxia North Station to Hongling South Station. It runs from Huaqiang South Station to Hongling South Station, spanning 2.3 kilometers. Through transfers at Gangxia North Station, Line 11 links with Line 14, effectively connecting Bao’an and Nanshan districts with Luohu, Longgang, and Pingshan districts.

Phase III of Line 8 starts at Xiaomeisha Station on the currently operational Phase II of Line 8 in Yantian District and ends at Xichong Station in Dapeng New Area. It covers approximately 3.7 kilometers and includes one new station — Xichong Station.

This extension will bring Metro service to Dapeng for the first time. Together, Line 8 and Line 2 will form a key east–west rail corridor across Shenzhen, serving major commuter flows between Yantian and Dapeng New Area.

The northern section of Line 13’s Phase I runs from Hi-tech Central Station to Shangwu Station and includes nine stations. The southern section of Line 13’s Phase I began service Dec. 28, 2024.

Shenzhen’s first Letro line, Line 1, commenced operation Dec. 28, 2004, making the city the eighth on the Chinese mainland to open an urban rail transit system. Currently, 17 Metro lines are in operation.               (SD News)