
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 2025 (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.
| 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, 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 Guangzhou travel guides:
How to Pay for Guangzhou Metro: Buy Tickets, Cards & 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 RMB), 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!
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.
- Choose your destination on the touch screen.
- Select your payment method: cash, WeChat Pay or Alipay.
- 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 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. 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 in Guangzhou
Guangzhou Hotel Recommendations
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Breakfast
Gym
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).

350282 booked




