Guangzhou Metro: Map, Lines, Fares, Usage & Ride Guide

The Guangzhou Metro is the most popular way for locals to get around, and is also very convenient for foreign visitors. During events such as the Canton Fair, you can see many international travellers using 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!

Guangzhou Metro Map

Guangzhou Metro Map 2026 (from Guangzhou Metro Official & Wikipedia)

Guangzhou Metro is one of the most advanced urban rail systems in China. It now operates 17 lines, covering more than 700 kilometres and over 300 stations. The network covers 11 districts across the city, making it a convenient and reliable way to travel for both locals and visitors.

Lines 1 to 6 link the main business areas and major transport hubs. The suburban lines, such as Line 7 and Line 14, extend to nearby districts including Panyu and Conghua. Line 3 goes north to Baiyun International Airport, while Line 2/Line 7/Line 22 connects to Guangzhou South Station, a major high-speed rail hub. The metro also provides easy access to the Canton Fair through Line 8, which stops at Pazhou Station, the exhibition’s main venue.

Several lines also provide easy access to popular attractions. You can reach Guangzhou Tower on Line 3, Shamian on Line 6, and Chimelong on Lines 3 or 7. The APM line in Zhujiang New Town (Tianhe CBD) also helps connect busy commercial areas, offering passengers fast and efficient travel across the city.

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.

The operation time is based on the Guangzhou Metro official APP data in 2026.

Guangzhou Metro Ticket Fares

The Guangzhou Metro fare is calculated based on the distance travelled.

For journeys between cities or especially long metro trips (e.g., Guangzhou to Foshan, Guangzhou to Shenzhen), 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.

💡 Find inspiration in our guides:

How to Pay for Guangzhou Metro: Buy Tickets, Cards & QR Codes

Guangzhou Metro now makes payment much easier for international visitors. All stations including the APM line support the four major foreign bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Discover), and you can simply tap your card at any gate displaying the card logo to enter and exit.

You can also buy a Single Journey Ticket (the green plastic token 🟢) from station ticket machines using cash or mobile payment. Frequent travellers can use the Guangzhou Metro official app or the WeChat or Alipay mini-program to generate a QR code ticket for quick entry. Visitors may also purchase a stored-value Yang Cheng Tong Card at the service counter, with a refundable 20 RMB deposit, and use it for buses and ferries as well. All ticket machines and apps offer an English interface, making it easy for everyone to use the system. Let’s have a closer look at each option and how they work.

1️⃣Contactless Payment with Foreign Bank Cards 💳😍

Since 12 October 2025, Guangzhou Metro supports contactless payment using foreign bank cards. Travellers can now tap their cards directly at the gate for quick and easy entry.

Supported Cards

• Foreign-issued Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and JCB cards
• China-issued Mastercard or American Express cards that support RMB transactions
  (All cards must have contactless payment enabled)

How to Use
No need to buy a ticket or download an app. Simply tap your card on the reader marked with the card logos at the metro gate to enter or exit.

Where It Works
Available at all Guangzhou Metro stations. Gates show clear card logos, and many stations have English and Chinese signs to help international passengers, especially during large events such as the Canton Fair.

2️⃣Guangzhou Metro Station Ticket Machines 🎫✅

You can easily buy tickets at self-service machines in any Guangzhou Metro station. The screens have clear English instructions.

1. Choose your destination on the touch screen.
2. Select your payment method: cash, WeChat Pay or Alipay.
3. Collect your single journey ticket (a small green coin🟢).

• Swipe your ticket to enter and insert it when you leave.
• Keep it safe during your trip.

👩‍💼 Station staff are always nearby if you need help.

3️⃣Guangzhou Metro App (iOS / Android) 📱👍

The official Guangzhou Metro app makes it easy to buy e-tickets.
Download the app, create an account, get a QR code ticket, and scan it at the ticket gate to enter.

✅ English available
✅ Real-time route planning and fare check
✅ Service alerts and travel updates

You can pay with WeChat Pay, Alipay, or bank cards.
Monthly travel discounts are added automatically.

4️⃣Alipay 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

5️⃣WeChat 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

6️⃣Yang 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 RMB but less than 200 RMB will enjoy a 20% discount, and the amount exceeding 200 RMB 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.

How to Ride 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. Tap 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✅

Best Hotels Near Guangzhou Metro Stations (By Area)

Guangzhou offers a wide range of hotels within easy walking distance of metro stations, making it easy for tourists to explore the city.

The following areas and hotels are especially popular with international travellers because they are easily accessible to business districts, shopping streets, major attractions, railway stations, and the airport.

After selecting the area that suits your itinerary, you can narrow down your choices by hotel type.

Many travellers look for luxury hotels, business-friendly stays, family hotels, places with breakfast included, or hotels with a gym and swimming pool.

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