Xiamen city started limited passenger operations with free travel on two new fully automated metro lines on September 16, 2026, expanding its urban rail network by 57.4 km from 98.4 km to 155.8 km, according to Railway Gazette International.
Line 4 Opens as Express Metro Connecting Major Hubs
The initial 31.3 km section of Line 4 runs from Jimei Software Park North to Qianwu. Designed as an express metro with fewer, more widely spaced stations, the line operates at speeds up to 120 km/h. Extensions at both ends are under construction, including future service to the under-construction Xiang’an International Airport and the addition of Xiyan station. A medium-term branch
with five stations will connect Xiamen North main line station southwest to Huizuo and Maluan Bay South. Line 4’s express format focuses on linking key transport hubs efficiently.
Line 6 Launches Xiamen’s First Inter-Urban Metro to Zhangzhou
Line 6, measuring 26.1 km, is Xiamen’s first inter-urban metro line. It connects Huaqiao University in Xiamen with Jiaojiang Road in the Zhangzhou suburbs. The line is a through service jointly developed and operated by Xiamen and Zhangzhou municipalities. A two-station extension in Zhangzhou alongside an infill station at Chenjing in Xiamen are currently under construction, reflecting cooperation between the neighboring cities for integrated urban transit.
Operating Conditions and Technical Details During Running-In Period
Both lines use four-car B-type trainsets
powered by 1.5 kV DC overhead electrification. Service currently runs with long intervals and limited hours as part of an informal running-in period to test and adapt the new infrastructure. Passengers ride free of charge during this phase as operations are limited and schedules are not yet fully established.
Metro Network Expansion Aligns with China’s Transport Trends
The addition of Line 4 adds to China’s expanding express metro projects designed to reduce travel times across major urban areas. Meanwhile, Line 6’s inter-urban design exemplifies increasing collaboration between adjacent cities to extend metro connectivity beyond single municipalities. Xiamen’s 37% metro network increase demonstrates ongoing investment in urban rail infrastructure
to meet regional transit demands.
