Metro of Shenyang

Shenyang Metro

The network currently consists of two lines, 43 stations and a 55.16 km long route. Every day, more than 533,000 people use this metro as their mode of transport. Shenyang Metro Corporation is in the operation of the system.

Historical Background

The need for a metro system in Shenyang was felt as early as 1940 but it took years to initiate the construction process. In 1965, China central government started new projects to build metro lines in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenyang and Tianjin. Within a couple of years, all the other systems were put into service but the project for Shenyang was postponed. The poor economic performance of the city during the 80s and 90s seems to be the major reason behind this delay.

With the turn of the century, things started to improve and the project got momentum. It received the final approval in 2005 and construction work started.

• Sep. 2009: A portion of Line 1, from Tiexi Square to Shisanhao Jie, started the trial run. Construction of Shenyang-Tiecheng intercity railway started alongside.
• Sep. 2010: Line 1 began full service.
• Oct. 2010: Construction of Line 1 east side extension started.
• Dec 2011: Line 2 started the trial run.
• Jan. 2012: Line 2, from Santaizi to Quanyun Jie, began full service.
• Dec. 2013: Line 2 was further extended to Hangkonghangtiandaxue in the north.

shenyang Metro

Hours of Operation

The trains run from 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. On weekdays, during office hours, one train comes every 6 minutes, at other times, every 8 minutes. On weekends, the frequency of trains is every 7 to 9 minutes.

Lines and Stations

Line 1 and Line 2 are currently in operation. They cross each other at Qingniandajie station.

Line 1

Line 1 is an east-west line connecting 22 stations on its 27.8 km long route. It starts from Shisanhaojie, runs through the center of the city and ends at Limingguangchang. The complete route is underground. It takes around an hour to complete a full journey on this line. From this line, passengers can transfer to Line 2 and Shenyang Railway. Shenyang Economic and Technological Development Zone and Liming Cultural Museum are two important areas covered by this line.

Main stations on this line are: Shisanhaojie, Zhangshi, Qigongjie, Shenyangzhan Station, Nanshichang, Qingniandajie, Dongzhongjie, Limingguangchang

Line 2

This line starts from Quanyunlu in the south, runs through the center of the city and terminates at Hangkonghangtiandaxue in the north. There are 22 stations on this 27.36 km long line. This line is also an underground line. A full journey on this line takes around 55 minutes. From this line, passengers can interchange to Line 1 and Shenyang North Railway.

Main stations on this line are: Hangkonghangtiandaxue, Lingxi, Beilinggongyuan, Qishanlu, Shenyangbeizhan, Qingniandajie, Shitushuguan, Aotizhongxin, Shijidasha, Quanyunlu

Future Expansion

Construction work is going on to extend the two operational lines on both ends. In addition, an intercity railway line is being built between Puhedadaoto and Fanhexincheng stations.

Construction of Line 4, 9 and 10 are expected to be completed by 2018. The long-term plan is to expand the network to cover 182.5 km of route. It will include 2 more north-south lines, 2 more east-west lines, and 2 L-shaped lines.

Shenyang

Fares and Tickets

In Shenyang Metro system, fare varies with the number of stations a passenger travels. The base fare is CNY 2. Paying this amount, you can travel up to 8 stations. For traveling between 9 to 12 stops, the fare is CNY 3. For traveling 12 stations or more, the fare is CNY 4. In the calculation of the number of stations, the departure station is not included.

Ticketing options are mainly of four types: Single journey ticket, Ordinary Charge Card, Guan’ ai Card and Xiyanghong Card. With Ordinary Charge Card passengers can enjoy a 5% off on the standard fare. People aged between 60 to 69 years, can use the Guan’ ai Card to get a 50% off. Xiyanghong Card is only for persons aged 70 years and more. It allows them a free ride on the metro trains. Every adult can take a child with him/her to travel free of cost if the child is less than 1.3 m of height.

Single journey tickets are available at the ticket vending machines at the entrance of the stations. The cards can be bought from the customer service centers. Different deposit amounts are required for different cards. All types of cards can be recharged from the ticket vending machines.

Facilities and Services

To ensure that the passengers enjoy their journey with Shenyang Metro, the corporation offers the following facilities and services:

• Every metro station is connected to a nearby bus route.
• Platform screens show train schedules and clear directions.
• Due to the side-sitting arrangement on the trains, a large number of passengers can travel comfortably.
• Escalators and elevators are there for disabled or elderly people.
• Announcements are in Chinese and English.

Rules

The Shenyang Metro Corporation requests all the passengers to obey certain rules and to follow some etiquette so that everyone has a smooth journey.

• Single journey tickets must be used on the same day it is bought; otherwise, it is invalid.
• Begging is prohibited on the stations and also on the trains.
• Riders should stay behind the marked line on the platform when the train comes.
• Boarding passengers should let others get off first before they get in.

Tips

Following tips may come handy when you travel through Shenyang Metro:

• Be aware of the pickpockets. Hold your bag in front of you tightly when the train is heavily crowded.
• Never throw away ticket or card once you enter the station. You’ll need it again at the exit gate.
• If the ticket vending machines are not working or you find it difficult to use them, go to the ticket selling windows located on the stations.

Media

Shenyang Metro map in Wikipedia