Dongguan’s Metro Line 1 Opens with Improved Access to East Guangdong and Key Destinations

Published on December 14, 2025

Dongguan has officially launched Phase 1 of its Metro Line 1 for trial passenger service on November 28, 2025 a major milestone for the city’s public transport network. Stretching 57.7 kilometers, this new line promises to make getting around the city faster and more convenient while strengthening connections across the Greater Bay Area.

Phase 1 links Dongguan West in the northwest to Meitang in the southeast, passing right through the city center and offering easy connections to neighboring cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Huizhou. With 25 stations along the route, Line 1 brings a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to road travel.

For residents, commuters, and visitors alike, the new metro line will cut travel times and make exploring the city smoother than ever.

A Major Step Forward for Dongguan’s Public Transport Network

The opening of Dongguan Metro Line 1 is expected to play a key role in transforming Dongguan’s public transport system and supporting its growing population. Dongguan, a major city in Guangdong Province, is located within the Greater Bay Area and serves as an important economic and industrial hub. The metro line is designed to address the growing demand for efficient urban transportation, reducing traffic congestion and offering a more eco-friendly mode of travel for the region.

The new line is also strategically connected to major transport hubs, including the Guangzhou – Huizhou and Guangzhou – Shenzhen high-speed rail lines, facilitating seamless connections between Dongguan and surrounding cities in the region. The Dongguan West station, located at the northern terminus of Line 1, acts as an interchange point for travelers looking to connect to these high-speed services, providing a convenient link to the broader Greater Bay Area.

Enhanced Travel and Economic Benefits for the Region

The introduction of Metro Line 1 is expected to enhance regional mobility, benefiting not only daily commuters but also tourists visiting Dongguan and nearby cities. The line provides quick access to key locations within the city, including business districts, shopping centers, and cultural attractions. For tourists, the metro will make it easier to explore Dongguan, while providing convenient links to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Huizhou some of the most visited destinations in the Greater Bay Area.

The new line also offers important economic benefits by increasing the accessibility of Dongguan’s business and industrial zones. By making it easier for workers to travel to and from their jobs, Metro Line 1 will help facilitate the city’s ongoing economic development and improve productivity in the region.

Expansion Plans for Dongguan Metro Line 1

Phase 1 of Metro Line 1 is just the beginning. There are already plans to extend the line further to meet the city’s growing needs. Phase 2 will extend Line 1 by 11.2 kilometers, with two additional stations. The extension will link Wanghong high-speed station to the Dongguan-Guangzhou border station, further enhancing connectivity and accommodating the anticipated growth in passenger demand.

Additionally, Phase 3 will see Line 1 extend beyond Meitang by 3.1 kilometers, adding one new station to improve access to the southern parts of the city. The completion of these phases will ensure that Dongguan Metro Line 1 serves even more areas of the city and provides seamless transport options for residents and tourists.

Metro Integration with Other Transport Networks

Dongguan’s Metro Line 1 is part of the city’s broader efforts to create an integrated transport network that includes buses, taxis, and high-speed rail services. Interchange stations are planned at key locations to facilitate easy transfers between the metro and other modes of transport. For example, the Shimin Zhongxin station will serve as an interchange with the city’s Metro Line 2, providing passengers with more route options and further improving accessibility to other parts of the city.

Moreover, Phase 2 of Line 1 will introduce interchange stations with the future Line 3, further expanding the metro network and offering greater flexibility for passengers traveling across Dongguan. As the metro system continues to grow, it will become an even more integral part of the city’s daily life and infrastructure.

Construction and Collaboration

The construction of Metro Line 1 was managed by China Railway South Group, with work carried out by China Railway Third Bureau. The project was completed following several years of development, and the local government’s efforts in promoting public transport infrastructure were instrumental in the success of the line. The launch of Metro Line 1 marks the culmination of years of planning and investment, showcasing Dongguan’s commitment to modernizing its transport network.

Looking Ahead: Dongguan’s Future as a Major Transport Hub

With the launch of Metro Line 1, Dongguan is well on its way to becoming a central transport hub in the Greater Bay Area. The new line supports the region’s ongoing growth and development by providing a sustainable, efficient, and reliable transport option for residents, tourists, and business travelers.

As further phases of the metro network are completed, Dongguan will continue to benefit from improved connectivity, fostering economic growth and tourism in the region. The success of Metro Line 1 is a clear indication of Dongguan’s ambition to strengthen its position as a key player in the Greater Bay Area’s development.