
The Guangzhou Metro is not only the most popular transportation choice for locals, but also a convenient option for foreign tourists - especially during events like the Canton Fair, you'll see many international travellers taking the subway.
This guide includes the Guangzhou Metro maps, operating hours, fare information, and step-by-step instructions for purchasing metro tickets (via WeChat/Alipay) or single journey tickets. You'll also find tips for riding the Guangzhou Metro and reaching major tourist attractions. Whether you're attending the Canton Fair or sightseeing, we will help you get around like a local!
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Guangzhou Metro Map



Guangzhou Metro Map (from Guangzhou Metro Official & Wikipedia)
Guangzhou Metro is one of the most developed urban rail transit systems in China. It currently has 17 operating lines with a total mileage of more than 700 kilometres, more than 300 stations, and covers 11 districts in the city. Among them, Lines 1-6 connect major business districts and transportation hubs; suburban lines such as Line 7 and Line 14 extend to surrounding areas such as Panyu and Conghua; Line 3 extends north directly to Baiyun International Airport, and Line 2 runs through the Guangzhou South Station high-speed rail hub. Multiple lines connect well-known attractions such as Guangzhou Tower (Line 3), Shamian (Line 6), and Chimelong (Line 3/7), and cooperate with the APM Zhujiang New Town special line to provide citizens and tourists with efficient travel options.
Guangzhou Metro Operating Hours & Major Spots
Most Guangzhou Metro lines operate from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily. Avoid last-minute dashes! Check official apps for real-time updates.
Line | First Train | Last Train | Major Spots | Notes |
Line 1 | 6:20 | 23:20 | Chen Clan Academy, Shamian Island | Connects to Guangzhou East Station |
Line 2 | 6:21 | 00:02 | Yuexiu Park, Guangzhou South Station | Transfer to Foshan Metro |
Line 3 | 6:11 | 23:20 | Canton Tower, Chimelong Resort | To the to Airport (until 00:09) |
Line 5 | 6:14 | 23:27 | Liwan Lake, Zhongshan 8th Road | Scenic old town area |
Line 6 | 6:05 | 23:37 | Cultural Park, Beijing Road | Access to shopping districts |
APM Line | 7:00 | 23:30 | Haixinsha, Guangzhou Opera House | 2¥ flat fare, driverless |
The operation time is based on the Guangzhou Metro official APP data in 2025.
Guangzhou Metro Ticket Fares
The Guangzhou Metro fare is calculated based on the distance travelled.
Distance Travelled | Fare Increase | Total Fare (¥) |
0-4 km | Base fare | 2 |
4-12 km | +1¥ per 4 km | 3-4 |
12-24 km | +1¥ per 6 km | 5-7 |
Over 24 km | +1¥ per 8 km | 8+ |
APM Line | Flat fare | 2 |
For journeys between cities or especially long metro trips (e.g., Guangzhou to Foshan), consider taking China's high-speed rail (HSR) or intercity trains instead. These trains are significantly faster – covering 50 km in just 15-30 minutes, while the metro takes over an hour. Although fares are slightly higher than the metro, the time saved makes the train an ideal choice for regional travel.
How to Use Guangzhou Metro: Buy Tickets & QR Codes
Guangzhou Metro offers a variety of convenient ticket purchase methods. Single Journey Ticket (plastic coins) can be purchased at station ticket machines using cash or mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay). Frequent travellers can use the Guangzhou Metro official app or WeChat/Alipay applet to generate a QR code ticket (scan at the gate). Visitors can also buy stored-value Yang Cheng Tong Cards at the service counter (recharge card deposit 20 yuan), which can be recharged and used for buses/ferries. International tourists can now use major foreign credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) to purchase tickets at designated stations. All ticket purchase methods support English interface. So let's have a closer look at how to buy tickets and pay for Guangzhou Metro!
1️⃣Guangzhou Metro Station Ticket Machines
You can easily buy your ticket at the self-service ticket machines at Guangzhou Metro stations. The machines provide clear instructions in English - just select your destination on the touch screen, choose your payment method (cash or mobile payment methods such as WeChat/Alipay), and collect your single journey ticket. Simply swipe your ticket when entering the station and insert it when leaving. Station staff are always available to help you if needed. However, remember to keep your single journey ticket (green round coin) when you travel.

2️⃣Guangzhou Metro Official App
The Guangzhou Metro official app (available for iOS/Android) provides a convenient way to purchase e-tickets. Simply download the app, register an account, generate a QR code ticket, and scan it at the subway ticket gate to purchase your ticket. The app supports English and provides real-time route planning, fare calculations, and service reminders. Payments can be made via WeChat Pay, Alipay, or linked bank cards, and monthly travel discounts are automatically applied.

3️⃣Alipay QR Code Ticket
Open Alipay App → ➊ Click "Transport"→ ➋Select "Guangzhou Metro" → ➌ Activate "Metro QR Code" → Click "Get now" → Agree to terms →➍ Scan at the Gate

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4️⃣WeChat QR Code Ticket
1. How to activate the Guangzhou Metro QR code on WeChat

2. How to use WeChat QR code to take Guangzhou Metro

5️⃣Yang Cheng Tong Cards & NFC

Yang Cheng Tong Cards (Physical Transit Cards)
You can buy and recharge Yang Cheng Tong cards at self-service machines inside Guangzhou Metro stations. These cards require a 20 RMB deposit and can be used on the metro, buses, and ferries. Simply swipe your card at the turnstile to enter and exit. When recharging, please use cash or mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay) at the self-service card vending machine.
Here we have to talk about the current preferential policies of Guangzhou Metro: within one calendar month, if you use the same platform entrance code or the same Yangcheng Tong card to take Guangzhou Metro, bus, or water bus, the cumulative actual ticket expenditure of more than 80 yuan but less than 200 yuan will enjoy a 20% discount, and the amount exceeding 200 yuan will enjoy a 50% discount.
NFC Mobile Payments (Apple Pay & Android)
If you prefer digital payments, NFC-enabled phones (Apple Pay, Huawei Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.) can directly support Yangchengtong. Add your card to your phone’s wallet and tap to pay—no QR code needed! Recharging is easy via the phone’s wallet app.
6️⃣Overseas Bank Cards Payments Accepted for Ticket Purchases
Of course, if none of the above methods apply to you, you can also choose to purchase tickets with an overseas bank card.

Image from Guangzhou Metro
How to Take the Guangzhou Metro
1. Enter & Security Check
Find metro entrance
Bags go through X-ray scanner (liquids may be checked)

2. Swipe to Enter
Scan QR code at gate (Alipay/WeChat/Metro app)
OR tap Yang Cheng Tong card (NFC) /contactless payment
OR Tap a Single Journey Ticket

3. Ride the Metro
Check line colour/number and direction
Stand behind the yellow line and get on when the door opens
Priority seats are marked (offer to elderly/pregnant)

4. Swipe Card / QR Code to Exit
Same method as entry:
QR code - scan again
Tap Card/Insert Plastic Single Journey Ticket to exit
Fare automatically deducted✅

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Guangzhou Metro FAQs
How to pay for Guangzhou Metro?
Use QR codes (Alipay/WeChat/Metro app), Yang Cheng Tong card, or single journey ticket. Some stations accept foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard).
Does Guangzhou Metro provide English services?
Yes! Station signs, announcements and ticket machines are all in English, and staff speak basic English.
Which peak hours should be avoided on the Guangzhou Metro?
Weekdays 7:30-9:30 AM & 5:30-7:30 PM. Trains are very crowded then.
What time does the Guangzhou Metro operate until?
Most lines operate 6:00 AM–11:30 PM. Check last train times via official app.
Does Guangzhou Metro offer tourist discounts?
Yes! Monthly spending over ¥80 gets 20% off; over ¥200 earns 50% off (same payment method required).
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