As an expatriate in Shenzhen, I am always impressed with the development of the Metro systems across China. In the years that I have been in Shenzhen, the Metro has increased significantly, with far more coverage than before.
With that said, I feel that there are opportunities to rationalize some lines to open up opportunities for other Metro line opportunities.
Firstly, I feel that Line 2, between Chiwan and Huangbeiling, should become part of Line 5. This would make Line 5 a continuous loop around Shenzhen. The western extension of Line 5 from Huangbeiling to Grand Theater can become the west extension of a new Line 2, removing the Line 8 designation at the eastern end.
With Line 8 removed, there is now a need for a new Line 8. I would recommend changing Line 6 to become Line 8. I would also extend it further south through areas such as Guangmingcheng, Xili Lake, University Town, Shenyun, European Town, Baishizhou, and Hongshuwan. This would release pressure on Shenzhen North Station and western areas of Line 5 between Shenzhen North Station and Xili Station.
Secondly, I believe that Line 7 offers enormous potential as a second loop around Shenzhen. The extension east from Xili Lake to Shenzhen University General Hospital could continue east to SUSTech and Shenzhen North Station. From there, Line 7 would head north to the 1866 area, then northeast to the significant wet market in the area. From there, it could connect with Huawei on Line 10, releasing pressure on Line 5. Heading further east, connections could be made at Shangshuijing, Shiyaling (Line 14), Dafen and Tai'an. This would complete a northern-focused loop that pairs well with existing lines.
I also believe that Line 20 should be extended to the Airport Station and Airport East Station. It would make transport significantly more accessible to the new World Exhibition & Convention Center by splitting the travel to that area across more lines, instead of focusing on Line 11 and later, Line 12.
It is well known that there will be many more lines across Shenzhen, heading into Dongguan and Huizhou. Certain roads across the city would benefit from having lines built under them to take traffic off the road. For example, the Yueliangwan Boulevard-Beihuan Boulevard-Buxin East Road route could open up significant opportunities to take cars off those roads while supporting bus routes around that major route. It could start at Tai’an station in the east, and eventually end near Liwan station in the southwest.
The development of the Metro lines in Shenzhen is fantastic. I look forward to new lines opening up every year. Sometime soon, people will be setting up challenges to visit as many stations as possible in a single day.
(The author is a senior copywriter in Nanshan. He has lived in Shenzhen for over seven years.)