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Take a Metro in Wuhan

Travel in Wuhan

Wuhan Metro: A Rapid Transit Marvel Bridging Rivers and Innovation

On July 28, 2004, the first phase of Wuhan's first rail transit line, Line 1, was officially operated. Over the past 20 years, The construction of Wuhan Metro has overcome obstacles, uprising bravely and fast. Wuhan Metro, a cornerstone of the city’s urban development, is not just a transportation network but a testament to engineering ingenuity and cultural vibrancy. Here’s an in-depth look at why it’s one of China’s most remarkable metro systems.

Wuhan metro

Click HERE to download original Metro Map

1. Overview & Scale


Launch: Opened in 2004, Wuhan Metro has expanded rapidly to become China’s 5th-longest metro system, with 11 lines, 282 stations, and over 500 km of track (as of 2023).

Daily Ridership: Serves 4+ million passengers daily, seamlessly connecting the city’s three historic towns—Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang—across the Yangtze and Han rivers.

2. Engineering Marvels

 

Yangtze River Crossings: Wuhan Metro operates 6 underwater tunnels beneath the Yangtze River, including Line 2’s tunnel—the world’s first metro line to traverse the Yangtze twice.

Automated Lines: Line 5 and Line 21 feature fully driverless trains, showcasing cutting-edge automation.

Deep Stations: Hongshan Square Station (Line 8) plunges 34 meters underground, one of China’s deepest metro hubs.

3. Cultural & Aesthetic Highlights

 

Artistic Stations:

Zhongjia Village Station (Line 8): Dubbed the "Art Museum Underground," its ceiling mimics the Milky Way with 40,000 LED lights.

Hankou Railway Station (Line 2): Blends Qing Dynasty architectural motifs with modern design, honoring Wuhan’s railway heritage.

Themed Trains: Seasonal trains like cherry blossom-decorated carriages during spring celebrate Wuhan’s cultural identity.

4. Smart & Sustainable Features


QR Code Integration: Passengers use Alipay/WeChat for frictionless ticketing.

Solar Power: Depots like Line 11’s Canglong City utilize rooftop solar panels to reduce carbon footprint.

Flood Resilience: Advanced drainage systems protect stations from Wuhan’s summer floods.

5. Key Routes for Travelers


Line 2: Crosses the Yangtze River, linking landmarks like Jianghan Road (shopping) and Yellow Crane Tower.

Line 8: Connects Hongshan Stadium to Donghu Scenic Area, ideal for tourists.

Line 11: China’s fastest metro (120 km/h), speeding travelers to airports and Optics Valley.

6. Future Vision
 

By 2025, Wuhan Metro plans to grow to 14 lines and 700+ km, integrating with high-speed rail and regional networks. Innovations like hydrogen-powered trains and AI-driven crowd management are in development.

Why It Stands Out?


Wuhan Metro isn’t just about moving people—it’s a fusion of culture, technology, and urban ambition. Whether marveling at river-crossing feats, riding driverless trains, or admiring underground art, it embodies Wuhan’s spirit: bold, innovative, and unafraid to bridge the past and future. 

Did You Know?


Wuhan Metro’s logo features the letter "M" shaped like a turtle (symbolizing longevity) and a phoenix (representing rebirth), reflecting the city’s mythological roots.

Discover Wuhan via Metro Line 1: Your Stop-by-Stop Sightseeing Guide

 

Wuhan Metro Line 1 isn’t just a way to get from Point A to B — it’s your personal tour guide on rails. From historical gems to trendy food spots, serene parks to bustling markets, this line offers a little bit of everything. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, Line 1 is packed with stops that’ll show you the real Wuhan — with zero taxi fares and maximum fun.

 

Let’s ride!

Hankoubei Station – Where Flowers Bloom and Nostalgia Lives

 

Start your journey in full bloom at Hankoubei Station. Just a short walk away, Dounan Flower City explodes with color, housing countless varieties of blooms that’ll make any flower lover swoon. Right next door is Hankoubei Flower Town, a charming throwback to old Wuhan with narrow streets, retro signs, and brick facades — perfect for snapping that dreamy vintage-style photo.

It’s a floral fantasy meets time-traveling experience that sets the tone for a whimsical day ahead.

Dijiao Park Station – Pets, Parks, and Beef Bones

 

If you’re an animal lover (or just someone who enjoys quirky spots), hop off at Dijiao Park Station. Begin with a stroll through Dijiao Park, where the pathways are shaded and serene — ideal for a morning walk. But the real attraction is Flower, Bird & Pet World, China’s largest market for pets and plants. Expect to find everything from exotic birds to bonsai trees, all in one fascinating maze.

Before you leave, don’t forget to try Dijiao beef bones — a local delicacy known for its rich, meaty flavor. It’s messy, delicious, and worth every bite.

Huangpulu Station – Riverside Leisure & Hidden Gems

 

At Huangpulu Station, you’ll find the best of both worlds — nature and city life in perfect harmony. Start your visit with a peaceful boat ride at Jiefang Park, or feed the friendly pigeons among the flowerbeds. Then swing by Wuhan Tiandi and Yifang Tiandi, two modern commercial centers packed with stylish restaurants, boutique shops, and lively crowds.

For photo lovers, make your way to the Second Yangtze Bridge, where the area under the Yifang Blue Gallery is a secret spot for stunning urban photography. And if you’ve still got energy after dinner, Gude Temple offers a peaceful, lantern-lit ending to your evening.

Dazhilu Station – A Slice of History with a Side of Street Food

 

History buffs, this one's for you. Dazhilu Station puts you steps away from the former site of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, an important landmark from Wuhan’s revolutionary past. Right across the road is Jiqing Street, one of the city’s most beloved old-school food havens, serving up everything from spicy skewers to iconic hot-and-dry noodles.

Don’t skip Dongchengyinxiang, a newly opened cultural complex nearby where vintage vibes meet modern cafés. It’s the perfect spot to rest your feet and snap a few stylish pics.

Lijibeilu Station – Sky Town & Shopping Sprees

 

Looking to float among the clouds? Head to Sky Town, a beloved local spot near Lijibeilu Station where clever design and bright skies make for unforgettable photos. On a sunny or slightly cloudy day, it’ll feel like you’re walking on air.

Also near this station: the Wushang Mall trio, a cluster of shopping centers where you can shop, snack, and soak in local life. Feeling adventurous? Take a 15-minute walk from Zhongshan Park to Wansongyuan Food Street and end your day with a feast.

Xunlimen Station – City Strolls & Classic Eats

 

Want to see one of Wuhan’s most iconic spots? Get off at Xunlimen Station and walk through Jianghan Road Pedestrian Street from end to end. Along the way, you’ll pass historic buildings, local shops, and riverside viewpoints.

Hungry? Head toward Shuita Snack Street or the Happy Station Food Court, where locals have been grabbing their favorite bites for generations. This area is perfect for first-time visitors who want a bit of everything.

Zhuyehai Station – Furniture Finds & Food Court Feels

 

If you’re craving a more relaxed, air-conditioned experience (especially on hot or rainy days), Zhuyehai Station leads straight into IKEA and Huiju Mall. Without even stepping outside, you can wander through furniture showrooms, grab Swedish meatballs or local dim sum, and spend an afternoon in shopper's paradise.

It’s Wuhan’s most practical comfort zone — and ideal if your feet are starting to protest.

Matoutan Park Station – Culture, Calm, and Classic Architecture

 

Wrap up your Line 1 journey with a touch of tranquility at Matoutan Park Station. Nearby, you’ll find a beautiful Cultural Heritage Park complete with Huizhou-style buildings, arched bridges, and lily-covered ponds. It’s peaceful, green, and oh-so photogenic.

Bring a book, a camera, or just your curiosity — it’s a great way to slow down after a full day of metro-hopping.

 

Wuhan Metro Line 2:

Wuhan Metro Line 2: is like a golden key to unlock the charm of Wuhan, allowing you to explore many wonderful places in the city.

 

For history lovers, get off at Panlongcheng Station. A 700 - meter walk will lead you to the Panlongcheng Relics Museum, the earliest Shang - dynasty site in the Yangtze River Basin. Here, you can explore the bronze civilization dating back 3,500 years. It's free to visit but closed on Mondays.

 

Hankou Railway Station

If you're interested in museums, Hankou Railway Station is a good stop. Walk 300 meters from the exit, and you'll reach the Wuhan Museum, a national - level museum. It houses more than 100,000 cultural relics like the blue and white “Four Loves” plum vase, showing the historical context of Wuhan. It's free but closed on Tuesdays (except legal holidays).

 

Wangjiadun East Station

Foodies can't miss Wangjiadun East Station. Exit from C2 and walk about 800 meters to Wansongyuan Food Street, the top spot for late - night snacks in Wuhan. Recommended restaurants like Liangliang Steamed Shrimp, Xia's Casserole, and Bali Lobster are favorites of locals.

 

Zhongshan Park

For a family outing, Zhongshan Park Station is ideal. Exiting from D takes you directly to Zhongshan Park, a century - old urban park that was once a private garden. With amusement rides and boating, it's great for families and free to enter.

 

Xunlimen Station

To experience the bustling street life, Xunlimen Station is the way to go. Exit from C and start exploring Jianghan Road Pedestrian Street. This route from Xunlimen to Jianghanguan is full of century - old European - style buildings and time - honored snack shops, condensing the modern history of Hankou.

 

Pangxiejia Station

Art enthusiasts will love Pangxiejia Station. A 800 - meter walk from Exit A leads to Tanhualin, a slow - living area with flagstone paths, cafes, and creative shops, where century - old buildings blend well with trendy art.

Baotong Temple Station

At Baotong Temple Station, you can visit the oldest temple in Wuhan. It's also the only imperial temple, with red walls and yellow tiles perfect for photos. You can also climb Hongshan Pagoda for a panoramic view. Its Exit B leads to Wushang Dream Plaza, the world's largest pure commercial complex with an indoor ski resort and food courts, perfect for summer visits.

 

Optics Valley Square

Finally, Optics Valley Square Station is popular among young people. A 300 - meter walk from Exit S takes you to Optics Valley Square, a gathering place for college students with famous Spanish and Italian style streets and a landmark cathedral, offering a complete range of food, drink, and entertainment.

 

In short, Wuhan Metro Line 2 is a fantastic route that lets you experience history, culture, food, and entertainment all in one journey, and you'll find there's so much to see and do that even a week might not be enough!

Wuhan Metro Line 3

 

Wuhan Metro Line 3 is a great route for exploration! Here's an introduction to the interesting places along it:

 

Hongtu Avenue Station

 

- Walk 200 meters from Exit A to reach Wuhan Haichang Polar Ocean World, the largest polar - themed park in Central China. You can watch beluga whales and penguin shows, and the underwater tunnel offers a strong immersive experience, making it especially suitable for family trips.

- Transfer to Houhu Avenue Station (one stop away). It takes 3 minutes to walk to Hankou City Plaza, a large - scale community commercial complex with a wide variety of food, drinks and shopping options.

 

Citizen Home Station

 

- Exit B leads directly to the Wuhan Planning Exhibition Hall. There is a huge urban sand table and VR experience of future cities. It is a free science and education base to learn about Wuhan's centennial changes.

 

Wuhan Business District Station

 

- The station itself is very beautiful, with a "star - lit dome" theme. It is created with 15,000 LED lights to form a "galaxy wonderland". There is also the first art installation in a domestic metro station. If you get off here, you can spend a few minutes enjoying it.

- Walk 300 meters from Exit C to Fanhai City Plaza, a high - end shopping center with sky garden restaurants where you can overlook the street view of the CBD. It's a great choice for business dinners.

 

Hongkong Road Station

 

- Walk 150 meters from Exit ED to Zhuoer Bookstore, an early - established literary bookstore in Wuhan that operates 24 hours a day. Writer salons are often held here.

 

Wangjiawan Station

 

- Wangjiawan is the largest business district in Hanyang. Exit E leads directly to Wuhan摩尔City (Moore City). There are many dining options inside and outside the mall.

- Walk 360 meters from Exit K to the night market on Rose Street, a late - night snack paradise for locals with barbecues, crayfish and various authentic Wuhan snacks.

 

Longyangcun Station

 

- Walk 800 meters from Exit A to Moshui Lake Park. Moshui Lake is formed by more than a dozen large and small lakes, collectively known as "17 Moshui Lakes". It was once part of the "Hanyang Ten Scenes" - "Pingtang Ancient Ferry". The greenway around Moshui Lake runs through three parks, making it very suitable for cycling and hiking.

 

Sports Center Station

 

- Exit A leads directly to Wuhan Sports Center, the largest sports event platform in the province. Large - scale performances and concerts are usually held here (for example, Dao Lang's concert in March this year was held here).

- It takes 5 minutes to walk from Exit A to Jingkai Wanda Plaza, an old - established business district in Zhuankou with a complete range of food, drinks and shopping options.

 

In short, there are so many attractions along Metro Line 3 that you can spend a whole week exploring it!

Travel Guide for Wuhan Metro Line 4

 

Wuhan Metro Line 4 is not just a means of transportation; it's a gateway to exploring many of Wuhan's charming attractions. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your journey along this line and enjoy a short vacation in Wuhan:

 

1. Zhongjiacun Station

 

- Attraction: Guiyuan Temple

Exit D and walk about 800 meters to reach Guiyuan Temple, one of the four major Buddhist jungles in Wuhan. The Scripture Collection Pavilion here houses numerous Buddhist classics and artistic treasures. The Hall of 500 Arhats in Guiyuan Temple is also very famous—many Wuhan locals visit annually to “count the Arhats.”

 

2. Guqintai Station

 

- Attraction: Guqin Terrace

Exit A and walk 600 meters to Guqin Terrace, the birthplace of the “bosom friend” story between Yu Boya and Zhong Ziqi. With Chu - style garden architecture and a guqin culture exhibition, Guqin Terrace is located in the Yuehu Scenic Area. Besides Guqin Terrace, there are also the Qintai Grand Theater and Qintai Art Museum in the vicinity.

 

3. Guishan Scenic Area (Access via Metro)

 

- Attraction: Guishan Scenic Area

Exit E2 and walk 700 meters to reach Guishan Scenic Area. There's a great personal - recommended hiking route: Guishan - Qinchuan Pavilion - Nan'an Zui Jiangtan Park. The scenery along the way is extremely beautiful.

 

4. Wangjiawan Station

 

- Attraction: Wuhan Moore City & Rose Street Night Market

Exit E to reach Wuhan Moore City, the largest business district in Hanyang with plenty of dining options. Nearby, Rose Street Night Market is a well - known late - night dining spot in Hanyang.

 

5. Fuxing Road Station

 

- Attraction: Shouyi Square & Revolutionary Sites

Exit C and walk 580 meters to Shouyi Square. For those interested in red history, this is a must - visit. The Xinhai Revolution Museum and the former site of the Wuchang Uprising Military Government showcase the historical imprints of the revolution. There are thousands of cultural relics from the Xinhai period in the collection, and VR technology is used to recreate the scene of the Wuchang Uprising. It's free to visit with a reservation.

 

6. Yellow Crane Tower (via Line 5 Transfer)

 

- Attraction: Yellow Crane Tower

Transfer to Line 5 and take two stops, then walk 800 meters to the world - famous Yellow Crane Tower. You can climb the tower to overlook the Yangtze River and the three towns of Wuhan. When exiting from Exit C of the metro station, there's a classic photo spot for the Yellow Crane Tower—don't miss the chance to take a photo with it.

 

7. Chuhe Hanjie Station

 

- Attraction: Chuhe Han Street & Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Exit C to reach Chuhe Han Street, a 1,500 - meter - long riverside commercial pedestrian street on the south bank of Chuhe. It features mainly Republican - style architecture, with red - brick clear - water walls and traditional Shikumen symbols along the street. There are plenty of shopping and dining options around. If you find Jianghan Road too crowded but still want to visit a pedestrian street, Chuhe Han Street is a great choice. Exit B and walk 200 meters to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the first wax museum in Central China located on Han Street—visit if you're interested.

 

8. Dongting Station

 

- Attraction: Shahu Park

Exit D and walk 500 meters to Shahu Park, the second largest urban lake in Wuhan. The lakeside trails connect the lotus boardwalk and European - style corridors, and the scenery is quite beautiful.

 

With so many attractions, each station can easily fill a day of your itinerary. Exploring along Metro Line 4, you can enjoy a fulfilling 5 - day vacation in Wuhan, experiencing its history, culture, and natural beauty.

Metro guide in Wuhan

take metro in wuhan

1. Entering the Station


Locate the station: Follow clear bilingual (Chinese/English) signage within 200–500 meters of the station entrance.

wuhan metro

2.Purchasing Ticket

Single-journey tickets: Use self-service machines (accept small bills, max change ¥5). Select your destination on the touchscreen, insert cash, and collect tickets.

take metro in wuhan

2.Purchasing Ticket

QR code: open Alipay or Wechat app to scan QR codes at turnstiles.

metro in wuhan

3. Go through subway security

4. Entering the Turnstile

Hold your ticket/QR code/card over the sensor on the right side of the turnstile.

5. Exiting the Turnstile

Hold your ticket/QR code/card over the sensor on the right side of the turnstile.

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Take a Metro in Wuhan: The Smartest Way to Move Around

Wuhan’s metro system is modern, efficient, and easy to navigate—even for first-time visitors. With color-coded lines, bilingual signage, and wide city coverage, it connects you to almost every major attraction and neighborhood. It’s affordable, clean, and the best way to beat the traffic while exploring the city like a local.

Explore more travel tips and discover how Wuhan’s metro makes exploring the city fast and simple.

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