Dongguan Metro Line 1, a key transit project that will link directly with Shenzhen’s metro system, has begun trial operations without passenger load and is expected to commence full service by the end of the year, according to the Shenzhen municipal government.
The trial runs, which started on August 1, are scheduled to last approximately three months—a standard testing period for new metro lines prior to official opening.
This development is part of a broader regional effort to enhance connectivity between the two Guangdong cities.
Three intercity metro projects are currently underway: the eastern extension of Shenzhen Metro Line 10, the northward extension of Shenzhen Metro Line 11 to connect with Dongguan Line 3, and the extension of Shenzhen Metro Line 6 to link with Dongguan Line 1.
These integrations will improve access to Dongguan’s Fenggang Town, Songshan Lake, and Binhaiwan New Area.
Dongguan Metro Line 1, constructed in three phases, serves as a backbone of the city’s urban rail network.
The Phase I segment spans 57.46 kilometers, running from Dongguanxi Station to Huangjiang East Station (Meitang Station), and passes through ten towns and districts including Wangniudun, Hongmei, Daojiao, Wanjiang, Nancheng, Dongcheng, Dalingshan, Songshan Lake, Dalang, and Huangjiang.
Upon full operation, Line 1 will form a cross-shaped interchange with existing lines, with major transfer hubs such as Wanghong Station, Civic Center Station (formerly Hongfu Road Station), and Dongchengnan Station facilitating connections to the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Intercity Railway, the Foshan-Dongguan Line, and the Dongguan-Huizhou Line.
It is understood that future plans also include direct interchanges with metro systems in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
