Guangzhou Metro Line 11 unveiled, circular route connects culture and city

Guangzhou Metro's first circular line, Metro Line 11, is set to open by the end of this year. For the first time, the public gets a sneak peek at the station designs of this "King of Transfers."

Interior of Metro Line 11

Spanning 44.2 kilometers, Metro Line 11 is Guangzhou's—and the Greater Bay Area's—first circular metro line, featuring 31 stations, 26 of which are transfer stations. It connects the city's five central districts—Tianhe, Baiyun, Yuexiu, Liwan, and Haizhu—linking areas rich in Lingnan cuisine, culture, commerce, and tourist attractions.

Map of Metro Line 11

The line's Guangzhou East Railway Station and Guangzhou Railway Station are still undergoing construction for some facilities, such as concourses and entrances, to coordinate with railway upgrades. As a result, these stations will not be operational when the line opens and will implement a "skip-stop" service temporarily.

Transfer between Line 11 and Line 8 at Pazhou Station will be "outside transfer." Passengers will need to exit the station, re-enter the other line within a set time, and continue their journey without paying an additional base fare.

According to the route map, the circular line will operate in two directions: clockwise (inner circle) and counterclockwise (outer circle).

Line 11's inner circle

Line 11's outer circle

Stunning cultural-inspired designs across 29 stations

The design of Metro Line 11 incorporates elements of Lingnan intangible cultural heritage. Five stations—Guangzhou East Railway Station, Guangzhou Railway Station, Fangcun Station, Pazhou Station, and Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Station—are designated as key cultural heritage stations, transforming metro stations into showcases of Lingnan culture.

Each of the five key stations is uniquely themed:

🚇Guangzhou East Railway Station: Cantonese opera

🚇Guangzhou Railway Station: Canton porcelain

🚇Fangcun Station: Canton embroidery

🚇Pazhou Station: Cantonese dance

🚇Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Station: Cantonese medicine

Each of the five stations has a unique theme.

These stations feature cultural displays, art walls, and LED multimedia screens showcasing Guangdong's intangible cultural heritage. Artifacts created by master artisans will also be displayed.

The golden ring at the center of the ceiling in the station concourse symbolises the circular feature of Metro Line 11.

For the other 24 new stations, a lighter cultural design approach is employed. The number "11" serves as a cultural totem, representing elements like food, clothing, transportation, and Lingnan lifestyle. Key stations incorporate the iconic "Five Rams Holding Five Grains" motif, while standard stations embrace broader Lingnan cultural elements.

The design of number "11" for each station

The number "11" incorporates the "Five Rams Holding Five Grains" motif at Fangcun Station.

Exit signs also feature cultural designs.

Detailed designs of key cultural heritage stations

Fangcun Station (Liwan District)

This station highlights Canton embroidery and Canton carvings, two intangible cultural heritage crafts. The station features art displays, cultural showcases, and entry signs adorned with heritage motifs, creating a vibrant Lingnan atmosphere.

A cultural showcase at Fangcun Station showcases Canton embroidery

A cultural showcase at Fangcun Station showcases Canton carvings

Pazhou Station (Haizhu District)

As a hub for exhibitions like the Canton Fair, Pazhou Station is themed Cantonese dance. It features displays of Guangdong lion dance, Canton carvings and Canton porcelain, reflecting Guangdong's cultural charm and global appeal.

Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Station (Baiyun District)

With the theme of Cantonese medicine, it showcases traditional Chinese medicine's deep roots in Lingnan culture, promoting compassion and innovation in the medical field.

Guangzhou Railway Station (Yuexiu District)

This station features Cantonese porcelain and opera elements, blending historical elegance with modern design to represent Guangdong's rich cultural heritage.

Guangzhou East Railway Station (Tianhe District)

The station highlights Cantonese opera, Guangdong lion dance, and traditional music, offering passengers a glimpse into Lingnan's artistic legacy.

Enhanced passenger experience

Metro Line 11's extensive facilities include over 67,000 square meters of station decorations and 154,571 equipment units—three to four times the volume of an ordinary line. New stations are equipped with toilets and nurseries to improve passenger convenience.

Stations are equipped with toilets and nurseries to improve passenger convenience.

As Guangzhou's first circular line, Metro Line 11 not only enhances connectivity across the city's central districts but also serves as a cultural showcase, celebrating Lingnan's heritage while advancing modern transportation infrastructure.

(cnbayarea.org.cn & GDToday)