Introduction
Chengdu Metro is the rapid transit system of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. The metro opened in 2010 and has since expanded into one of China’s largest and most modern networks. As of 2025, Chengdu Metro operates 13 lines spanning over 500 km, with daily ridership around 6 million passengers. This extensive subway makes exploring Chengdu – a city famed for its laid-back teahouse culture and spicy cuisine – easy and convenient for visitors. With fast trains, bilingual signs, and affordable fares, the Chengdu Metro is a traveler-friendly way to discover the “Land of Abundance” without getting stuck in traffic.
Chengdu Metro Network Overview
The Chengdu Metro currently criss-crosses the city with 13 numbered subway lines (Line 1 through Line 10, plus Lines 17, 18, and 19) and one tram line. Together they cover virtually all major districts and suburbs, totaling over 518 km of track and 300+ stations. The network connects downtown Chengdu with surrounding areas and even reaches both Shuangliu International Airport and Tianfu International Airport. Chengdu’s rapid expansion of lines in recent years has made it the fourth longest metro system in the world, greatly enhancing urban mobility.
Major Interchange Stations:
- Tianfu Square – Central hub connecting Line 1 and Line 2, surrounded by museums and landmarks.
- Chunxi Road – Interchange for Line 2 and Line 3 in a lively shopping area.
- Chengdu East Railway Station – Served by Line 2 and Line 7, the main high-speed rail hub.
- Chengdu South Railway Station – Line 1, Line 7, and Line 18 connection point, linking to Tianfu Airport line.
- Chengdu North Railway Station – Accessible via Line 1 and Line 7 for regional trains.
Other interchange hubs include Siheyuan, Huaxiba, and Financial City. The tram (Line T2) integrates with the metro network, extending service to western suburbs.
Tickets & Fares
Fares are distance-based and very affordable. A short ride costs ¥2, increasing gradually to around ¥8–10 for cross-city trips. A 10 km journey averages about ¥4 (≈ $0.55 USD). Even the 70 km ride to Tianfu Airport is only ¥10.
Ticket Options:
- Single-Ride Ticket (Token): Buy at station vending machines (English interface available). Tap to enter, insert to exit.
- Tianfutong Card (天府通卡): Rechargeable smart card usable on metro, bus, and bikes. Costs ¥20 deposit and can be topped up at machines or convenience stores.
- Mobile Payments: Use WeChat Pay or Alipay QR codes at turnstiles. Foreign cards can now be linked in these apps.
- Contactless Bank Cards: Since 2025, Chengdu Metro accepts international contactless cards (Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay, AmEx) and mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Tourist Day Passes: 1-day ¥20, 3-day ¥50, 5-day ¥70 — unlimited rides on all lines within validity.
Single-ride tokens are available at machines; Tianfutong cards and day passes can be purchased at staffed counters. Mobile payments and contactless cards are the easiest for short-term visitors.
Operating Hours & Frequency
The metro operates roughly from 06:00 to 23:30 daily. First trains depart around 6 AM, last trains just before midnight. During rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM) trains arrive every 3–5 minutes; off-peak every 6–8 minutes. Night services are not 24-hour, so plan ahead for late flights or nightlife.
Navigating the Metro
Language & Signage: All signs, maps, and announcements are bilingual (Chinese + English). Ticket machines include English menus.
Accessibility: Elevators, tactile paving, and platform safety doors are standard. Stations and trains are modern, clean, and air-conditioned.
Security: Expect quick bag X-rays and metal detectors at entrances.
Etiquette: Queue neatly, stand right on escalators, avoid eating/drinking, keep voices low, and yield priority seats.
Popular Tourist Routes
1-Day City Highlights
- Tianfu Square (Line 1/2): Central square with Mao statue and museums.
- Chunxi Road (Line 2): Main shopping and dining street.
- Kuanzhai Alleys (Line 4): Restored Qing-era lanes with teahouses and shops.
- People’s Park (Line 2): Experience local tea culture and leisure life.
- Jinli Street (Line 10): Evening street-food spot beside Wuhou Shrine.
Cultural Explorer Route
- Sichuan Museum & Du Fu Thatched Cottage (Line 4): Classic culture and poetry landmarks.
- Qingyang Palace (Line 4): Famous Taoist temple.
- Wenshu Monastery (Line 1): Chengdu’s best-preserved Buddhist temple with tea garden.
- People’s Park or Culture Park: End the day with tea among locals.
Airport & Train Station Access
- Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): Line 10 serves both Terminals 1 & 2; 20–30 min from downtown; fare ≈ ¥6.
- Tianfu International Airport (TFU): Line 18 express; ≈ 35 min from South Railway Station; fare ¥8–10.
- Chengdu East Station: Lines 2 & 7 connect directly to high-speed rail.
- Chengdu South Station: Lines 1, 7, 18 connect to Tianfu Airport line.
- Chengdu North & West Stations: Linked via Lines 1, 4, 7 and 9.
Tips for Foreign Tourists
- Navigation Apps: MetroMan, Explore Metro, Baidu Maps (English mode), Apple Maps, or WeChat mini-programs.
- Connectivity: Use a China eSIM or local SIM for data; set up a VPN if you need Google services.
- Avoid Rush Hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM are most crowded.
- Facilities: Toilets in most stations; some have shops and ATMs.
- Safety: Well-lit stations, CCTV, and visible staff make the metro very secure.
Future Expansions
Chengdu plans major growth to become one of China’s largest metro systems by 2030. New lines under construction include:
- Line 13: New east–west corridor through downtown.
- Lines 11 & 12: Additional north–south routes serving new districts.
- Line 17 & 19 extensions: Expanding to western and southern suburbs.
- Intercity Lines S3 and beyond: Connecting nearby cities like Ziyang and Deyang.
Practical Summary
The Chengdu Metro is extensive, efficient, and inexpensive. It offers foreign visitors a fast, clean, and safe way to reach nearly all attractions—from Kuanzhai Alleys to the airports. With bilingual signs, contactless payment, and frequent service, it’s easily one of China’s most tourist-friendly metro systems.
Sources
- Chengdu Metro Official Website – cdmetro.cn
- Wikipedia – Chengdu Metro
- Trip.com – Chengdu Travel Guide and Transport Pages
- 新华网 (Xinhua News), 澎湃新闻 (The Paper), 天府发布 – local news sources for latest line updates