Guangzhou Metro Guide (2026): Lines, Fares & Tips
Ride the Guangzhou metro easily — pay by Alipay QR code or tap a foreign Visa card, the lines to Canton Tower and Shamian Island, fares and day passes.
Guangzhou has one of China’s best metros for international visitors — and it’s one of the few where you can tap a foreign bank card right at the gate. This guide covers paying, fares, the lines to the sights and the practical details.
How to pay
- Alipay / WeChat QR code (easiest): open the Guangzhou metro code and scan at the gates — the fare is deducted on exit.
- Foreign bank card (unique to Guangzhou): tap a Visa, Mastercard, JCB or Amex card directly at the gates. No app needed.
- Yangchengtong card: a reloadable transit card (¥20 deposit, refundable) that also works on buses and ferries.
- Day passes: ¥20 for one day / ¥50 for three days of unlimited metro rides — good value for a busy sightseeing day.
Fares
- Fares are by distance: ¥2 for the first 4km, ¥3–4 up to 12km, ¥5–6 up to 24km, ¥8+ beyond. The APM line is a flat ¥2.
- Most city rides run ¥3–6.
The lines you’ll actually use
| Sight | Line / Station |
|---|---|
| Canton Tower | Line 3 / APM — Guangzhou Tower |
| Shamian Island | Line 6 — Huangsha |
| Chen Clan Ancestral Hall | Line 1 — Chen Jia Ci |
| Beijing Road | Line 6 — Beijing Road |
| Yuexiu Park | Line 2 — Yuexiu Park |
| Zhujiang New Town | Line 3/5 — Zhujiang New Town |
| Chimelong | Line 3/7 — Hanxi Chimelong |
| Baiyun Airport | Line 3 north extension |
Practical tips
- Hours: most lines run 6am–11:30pm; the APM runs 7am–11:30pm.
- Avoid peak: 7:30–9:30am and 5:30–7:30pm are busy, especially at the interchange stations.
- Old town: sights around Yuexiu and Liwan are close together — combine metro with walking or a shared bike.
- Payment and data: set up Alipay and an eSIM before you arrive.
- Getting to/from the airport: Line 3 to Baiyun — see our airport guide for the new T3.
Where this fits
Guangzhou anchors the Greater Bay Area route. For the city’s food and sights, see the Guangzhou guide, and for the system-wide basics our China metro guide.
Fares and hours as of August 2026 — confirm current schedules in a maps app before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for the Guangzhou metro?
The easiest options are the Guangzhou metro QR code in Alipay or WeChat (scan at the gates), or — unique to Guangzhou — tapping a foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB or Amex card directly at the gates. A day pass is ¥20 for 24 hours of unlimited rides, ¥50 for three days.
How much does the Guangzhou metro cost?
Fares are by distance: ¥2 for the first 4km, ¥3–4 up to 12km, ¥5–6 up to 24km, and ¥8+ beyond. The APM tourist line is a flat ¥2. Most rides between sights cost ¥3–6. See our [payments guide](https://chinotrips.com/how-to/pay-in-china/) for setup.
Which metro line goes to Canton Tower?
Line 3 or the APM line to Guangzhou Tower station — the APM is a fun ¥2 tourist line across the new CBD. Shamian Island is Line 6 to Huangsha, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is Line 1, and Beijing Road is Line 6. See the [Guangzhou guide](https://chinotrips.com/guangzhou/) for the sights.
Can I take the metro to the airport?
Yes — Line 3's north extension runs from the center to Baiyun Airport (T1 and T2 stations). For the new T3, take the ¥2 shuttle from Gaozeng or check the intercity link — see our [airport guide](https://chinotrips.com/how-to/guangzhou-airport-to-city/).
Is the metro English-friendly?
Very — every station has bilingual signs, announcements are in Chinese and English, and the ticket machines and apps offer English interfaces. Bags go through security at the entrance, and gates scan your QR code or card on the way in and out.