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Harbin Metro
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Harbin Metro
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Harbin Metro
Overview
OwnerHarbin Municipal People's Government
LocaleHarbin
Transit typeRapid transit
Number of lines3
Number of stations78[1]
Websitewww.harbin-metro.com
Operation
Began operation26 September 2013; 12 years ago (2013-09-26)
Technical
System length91.57 km (56.90 mi)[1]
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
System map

Harbin Metro
Simplified Chinese哈尔滨地铁
Traditional Chinese哈爾濱地鐵
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinHā'ěrbīn Dìtiě

The Harbin Metro is the rapid transit system of Harbin, the provincial capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China. The system began operation on 26 September 2013 with the opening of Line 1. It has three lines.

Hours and fares

[edit]

Trains operate from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily.[2] Fares are distance-based, starting at ¥2 for up to 6 km and increasing in tiers: ¥3 (up to 10 km), ¥4 (14 km), ¥5 (21 km), ¥6 (28 km), with an additional ¥1 per 10 km beyond 29 km (as of 2024).[3] Single-ride and rechargeable fare cards may be purchased at ticket windows or automatic fare card machines in each station.[4] Mobile payments via apps like Alipay or WeChat are also accepted.

Lines in operation

[edit]
Harbin Metro
Line Terminals
(District) 		Commencement Newest
Extension 		Length
km 		Stations
 1  Harbin East Railway Station
(Daowai) 		Xinjiang Street
(Pingfang) 		2013 2019 26.27 23
 2  Jiangbei University Town
(Hulan) 		Meteorological Observatory
(Xiangfang) 		2021[5] — 28.19[6] 19
 3  Sports Park
(Daoli) 		Sports Park
(Daoli) 		2017 2024[7][8] 37.6 36
Total 91.57 78

Line 1

[edit]
Main article: Line 1 (Harbin Metro)
Harbin Institute of Technology station of Line 1 (Harbin Metro)

Line 1 is oriented along the east–west axis of the urban area of Harbin, from northeast to southwest.

Line 2

[edit]
Main article: Line 2 (Harbin Metro)

Line 2 opened on 19 September 2021. It is 28.7 km in length with 19 stations.[6]

Line 3

[edit]
Main article: Line 3 (Harbin Metro)

Line 3 is a circular line around the urban area of Harbin. The first phase consisted of 5 stations and opened in 2017.

The section from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University to Taipingqiao, and the section from Harbin West Railway Station to Sports Park opened on 26 November 2021.[9][10] The circular line was completed on 27 November 2024.[1]

History

[edit]

The Harbin Metro was approved by the State Council of the People's Republic of China in July 2005. The initial investment was estimated to cost US$643 million. The project was headed by the Harbin Municipal People's Government Metro Construction, which established a Track Traffic Construction Office led by the city's construction commission. In 2006, an official "Initiation Ceremony of Harbin Metro Trial Project" was held, signifying the actual implementation of Harbin Line 1 project.[11][12] The builders made use of a 10.1 km air defense tunnel built in the 1970s as part of the "7381" civil air-defense project, which forms the part of Line 1 between Xidaqiao and Tobacco Manufacturer stations where both tracks run in one large tunnel with side platforms.[13]

Construction on Line 1 began a second time on 29 September 2009[13] and was later halted before being resumed on 1 March 2010.[14] In March 2011 the contract for traincars for first line was signed with Changchun Railway Vehicles co. ltd. The target date for opening of the first line, 17.47 km in length, with 18 stations was set to the end of 2012.[15] Line 1 opened on 26 September 2013.[16]

Line 2 construction began in December 2014, with the first phase opening on 19 September 2021, spanning 18.5 km with 16 stations.[5] Line 3, a circular line, saw its southeast half-ring (19.19 km with 19 stations) open on 26 November 2021.[7] The remaining northwest section opened on 26 November 2024, completing the 32.18 km loop with 28 stations.[17]

Future lines

[edit]

On 18 April 2016, the official website of Harbin Metro Group released the "Announcement of Environmental Impact Assessment for the Second Phase of Harbin Urban Rail Transit Construction Plan (2017-2022)". The planned line length is about 85 km, including 65 stations.[18] According to the updated second phase construction planning announced in July 2022 (2022-2027), only Lines 4 and 5 are planned. The length was shortened to 70.6 km with 54 stations.[19] In July 2025, the Harbin rail transit network plan (2021-2035) was approved, confirming the inclusion of these lines.

Years Lines Section Status Length Stations Terminus
TBA[20] 4 Phase 1 Under Planning 34.5 km 29 Qiansha - Minzu College[20]
5 Phase 1 Under Planning 36.1 km 25 Dongsanhuan - Nanjing Road[20]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Harbin Metro

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Harbin Metro is a rail system serving , the capital and largest city of province in , with a metropolitan population exceeding 10 million. As of 2025, it operates three fully underground lines spanning a total route length of approximately 92.4 km and comprising 73 stations, including interchanges that connect key districts, railway stations, and landmarks across the city. Development of the Harbin Metro began in the mid-2000s to address growing urban transportation needs in a region known for its severe winters, with average temperatures dropping below -20°C. The system's inaugural section, Line 1 Phase I, opened on 26 September 2013 as a 17.4 km north-south route from East railway station to South railway station with 18 stations, marking it as China's 19th operational metro network and the first in the northeast. Subsequent expansions included a 2014 infill station on Line 1 and an 8.6 km extension southward to Xinjiang Street in 2019, bringing Line 1 to its current 26.1 km length with 20 stations. Line 2, a 28.7 km east-west corridor from Jiangbei University Town to Meteorological Observatory with 19 stations and an interchange at Bowuguan, commenced operations on 19 September 2021. Line 3, a distinctive 37.6 km circular route encircling the urban core, opened in phases starting with a 4 km segment on 26 January 2017, followed by extensions in 2017, 2021, 2023, and 2024, culminating in full connectivity with 35 stations by late 2024. The system is engineered for extreme cold climates, incorporating features such as heated tracks to prevent icing, insulated tunnels utilizing repurposed air-raid shelters, and trains with anti-freeze technology, enabling reliable service year-round despite Harbin's status as a major hub for winter , including the annual Ice and Snow World festival. Fares range from 2 to 5 yuan based on distance, payable via RFID cards or mobile apps, with trains operating from approximately 06:00 to 22:30 daily and headways as frequent as 2-3 minutes during peak hours. Looking ahead, the Harbin rail transit master plan (2021-2035) envisions expansion to nine lines plus an additional circle line, reaching over 340 km to support the city's growth and events like the .

Operations

Hours of operation

The Harbin Metro operates daily from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with slight variations by line to support the city's commuting needs. This schedule allows passengers to plan trips reliably, with the first trains departing around 6:00 a.m. from terminal stations and the last arrivals concluding by 10:30 p.m. Trains run every 2–3 minutes during peak hours and every 6–10 minutes off-peak, varying by line. During peak periods, such as the morning from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and the evening rush from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the system experiences significantly higher passenger volumes as workers and students travel to and from central areas, leading to increased crowding on key lines and stations. These s highlight the metro's role in managing urban mobility, though travelers are advised to avoid them for a more comfortable experience. To accommodate seasonal tourism surges, the Harbin Metro adjusts its hours for events like the annual International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, extending service beyond the standard schedule to facilitate access to festival sites and reduce reliance on other transport modes. Such extensions, implemented during the winter months, help handle the influx of visitors without disrupting regular operations.

Fares and ticketing

The Harbin Metro employs a distance-based segmented to determine pricing for all journeys across its network. The base is ¥2 for distances up to 6 kilometers, escalating to ¥3 for up to 10 km, ¥4 for up to 14 km, ¥5 for up to 21 km, and ¥6 for up to 28 km; beyond 29 km, fares increase by ¥1 for every additional 10 km. This structure applies uniformly to single-line and transfer trips, promoting affordability for short urban commutes while scaling for longer routes.
Distance (km)Fare (¥)
0–62
7–103
11–144
15–215
22–286
29+ (per 10 km)+1
Passengers have multiple ticketing options for entry, including single-journey paper tickets purchased at station vending machines or counters using cash, or via mobile apps. Rechargeable contactless IC cards, such as the Harbin Tong card, can be acquired at stations for ¥20 (including ¥10 balance) and topped up for repeated use, offering seamless gate access without per-ride purchases. Digital alternatives are widely supported, including QR code payments generated through or apps, and contactless tapping with UnionPay-enabled bank cards, mobile devices, or wearables—eliminating the need for physical tickets in many cases. Concessions and discounts cater to specific groups to encourage inclusive access. Children shorter than 1.2 meters ride free when accompanying a paying , limited to one per adult; taller children require full fare. Full-time primary, junior, and senior high school students in qualify for 50% off with a City Pass student card. Seniors aged 65+ holding a Respect for the Elderly card receive free rides during off-peak periods (weekdays 9:00–16:00 and 19:00–closing) and full concessions on weekends/holidays; those aged 60–64 get 50% off off-peak. Severely disabled individuals travel free with a City Pass special card, while others (except blind passengers) receive 50% discounts; blind passengers (levels 1–2) ride free upon verification. Military veterans and retirees also access free travel with appropriate City Pass welfare cards. For frequent users, monthly passes offering unlimited rides for 30 consecutive days are available at promotional rates, such as ¥130, purchasable via the official app or stations during eligible periods. Fare evasion and lost ticket policies are enforced under the Harbin Metro's passenger code to maintain system integrity. Individuals caught without a valid ticket must pay the applicable fare plus a penalty fine. For lost single-journey tickets, passengers are required to supplement the fare and pay a fine upon exit.

Current network

Line 1

Line 1 is a north-south rapid transit line of the Harbin Metro, extending from Harbin East Railway Station in Daowai District to Xinjiang Street in Pingfang District while serving the central urban core of Harbin. The route connects major transportation hubs, educational institutions, and commercial areas, functioning as the system's foundational corridor for cross-city travel. All stations are underground, reflecting adaptations for Harbin's harsh winter climate as China's first metro line in a subarctic region. Spanning 26.1 km with 23 stations, the line includes prominent stops such as Harbin South Railway Station, which integrates seamlessly with the city's main railway network for multimodal connectivity, Harbin Medical University for access to healthcare and education facilities, and the as a cultural landmark. A significant expansion occurred on April 10, 2019, adding an 8.58 km eastern segment with four new stations from the previous terminus at Yidaeryuan to Xinjiang Street, enhancing service to industrial and residential outskirts. This extension increased the line's capacity and ridership potential, solidifying its role in alleviating in the expanding . Trains operate from approximately 06:00 to 21:30 daily, with a service frequency of 2 to 5 minutes during peak hours to accommodate commuter demand. The line interchanges with Line 2 at the Museum of Heilongjiang Province station and with Line 3 at Yidaeryuan and Taipingqiao stations, facilitating efficient transfers across the network.

Line 2

Line 2 is a north-southeast rapid transit line of the Harbin Metro, extending 28.7 km from Jiangbei University Town in the northern Hulan District to Meteorological Observatory in the southeastern Xiangfang District, linking suburban university areas and northern bank suburbs across the Songhua River to downtown districts including Songbei, Daoli, and Nangang. The fully underground route serves 19 stations and connects key transport hubs such as Harbin North Railway Station and Harbin Railway Station, as well as educational and scenic sites like Jiangbei University Town and Sun Island. The line provides an essential north-south axis for suburban commuters, facilitating access to central business districts and cultural landmarks while alleviating road congestion along the corridor. It interchanges with Line 1 at Museum station, enabling seamless transfers for east-west travel. Opened on September 19, 2021, Line 2 recorded 98,400 passenger trips on its inaugural day, underscoring its immediate role in supporting educational hubs like Jiangbei University Town. Trains operate with a peak-hour frequency of 3 to 6 minutes, utilizing systems for reliable service across the route.

Line 3

Line 3 is a circular line of the Metro that encircles the central of , providing peripheral connectivity in a loop configuration. The route connects key districts, including areas around Harbin West Railway Station, medical facilities, parks, and central landmarks such as the Harbin Mosque and , enhancing access to both residential and commercial zones. Spanning 37.6 km with 36 stations, the line features key interchanges, including with Line 1 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University and Taipingqiao, and with Line 2 at Zhujiang Road and . Construction and opening occurred in phases to facilitate incremental network expansion. Phase 1, a 5.4 km segment with five underground stations from Yidaeryuan to West Railway Station, commenced operations on January 26, 2017, followed by an (Harbindajie) on June 16, 2017. Phase 2 added the southeast semi-loop of 19.2 km with 15 stations from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University to Taipingqiao on November 26, 2021, bringing the operational length to approximately 24.6 km. The northwest portion was extended in sub-phases: 3.4 km with three stations on September 29, 2023; 1.0 km with one station on December 26, 2023; and the final 8.6 km with nine stations from Sports Park to Beima Road (closing the loop) on November 25, 2024, completing the full 37.6 km circuit with 36 stations. Operationally, Line 3 runs with trains departing every 2 to 10 minutes, depending on peak and off-peak periods, from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The line predominantly features underground sections in the inner urban core but transitions to elevated structures in the outer portions, particularly toward the southern and peripheral areas, to optimize costs and integration with surrounding infrastructure. This design supports efficient evacuation and high-capacity service for major events, such as those at Sports Park, contributing to the metro's role in managing peak traffic demands in Harbin's expanding network.

History

Planning and construction

The Harbin Metro project was officially approved by the State Council of the in July 2005, marking a significant step in addressing the city's growing transportation needs. The initial plan envisioned a three-line network spanning approximately 90 km, with Line 1 running north-south, Line 2 east-west, and Line 3 forming a circular route around the urban core. This phased development aimed to integrate with Harbin's existing bus and rail infrastructure while promoting economic growth in the northeastern province of . Design standards for the system adhered to national Chinese metro specifications, incorporating a standard of 1,435 mm to facilitate with broader rail networks and 1,500 V DC third-rail for efficient power delivery in an urban environment. These choices reflected a balance between cost-effectiveness, , and operational reliability, with engineered for extreme cold conditions reaching -38°C. The adoption of these specs ensured compatibility with domestic manufacturing capabilities, minimizing import dependencies. Construction efforts began tentatively with an initiation ceremony in , but full-scale work started in September 2009 and resumed in March 2010 after a brief pause due to funding shortages amid economic constraints, prioritizing Line 1 as the foundational segment. Harbin's seasonally frozen presented key engineering challenges, necessitating specialized techniques like deep pile foundations to mitigate frost heave and maintain structural integrity during freeze-thaw cycles. These adaptations were critical in a with deep annual soil freezing, up to 2 meters, which could otherwise cause settlement issues. The project's initial budget was set at approximately US$643 million (equivalent to about ¥4.5 billion at the time), primarily sourced from the Municipal People's Government with supplementary support from allocations. This funding covered early site preparation, tunneling, and station groundwork, setting the stage for operational trials leading to Line 1's launch in 2013.

Key openings and expansions

The Metro's inaugural line opened on September 26, 2013, marking the system's entry into operation with Line 1 spanning 17.5 km and serving 18 stations from East to South railway stations. This north-south route, constructed following approval of the project in 2005, provided initial connectivity across key urban areas and spurred early ridership growth. An at Bowuguan opened on September 26, 2014. Line 1 underwent significant expansion on April 10, 2019, with an 8.6 km southern extension from Harbin South station to Xinjiang Street, increasing the line's total length to 26.1 km and adding three new stations (plus the at Wapenyao on , 2019), for a total of 23 stations. This upgrade enhanced access to southern suburbs and industrial zones, contributing to a notable rise in daily passenger volumes as the network began integrating more residential and commercial districts. Construction on Line 2 commenced in December 2014, culminating in its full opening on September 19, 2021, as a 28.7 km underground route with 19 stations running east-west from Jiangbei University City to the Meteorological Observatory. The line's completion doubled the system's capacity and connected educational hubs with central business areas, leading to a surge in ridership that reflected growing public reliance on the metro for commuting. Line 3, designed as a circular route encircling the city center, began with Phase 1 opening on January 26, 2017, covering 4 km from Yidaeryuan to Harbin West railway station. An additional station at Harbin Dajie opened on June 16, 2017. The southeast semi-loop extensions followed, with 16.1 km and 13 stations from Harbin West to Taipingqiao on November 26, 2021, plus further segments of 3.3 km to Chinese-Baroque Block on September 29, 2023, and 1 km to Beima Road on December 26, 2023. The final northwest segment, 8.6 km long with stations completing the loop, opened on November 27, 2024, for a total of 37.6 km with 36 stations enabling seamless orbital travel. These phased openings propelled the overall network from its initial 17.5 km in to 92.4 km by November 2025, with three operational lines and 78 stations. Ridership expanded dramatically after each milestone, alleviating in Harbin's harsh winter climate. By 2021, (CBTC) signaling had been standardized across all lines, supporting higher frequencies and safer operations.

Future development

Planned lines

Line 4 is planned as an east-west corridor spanning 34.5 km from Qiansha Station in Songbei District to Minzu College Station, featuring 29 stations and traversing Songbei, Daowai, Nangang, and Xiangfang districts. This line aims to enhance connectivity in the emerging Songbei area and alleviate central urban congestion by providing efficient cross-city links. is scheduled to commence during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, targeting completion between 2022 and 2027. As of November 2025, construction has not yet begun, pending individual project approvals. Key stations will include interchanges with existing lines to facilitate seamless transfers, such as potential connectivity at Harbin Station with Line 1. Line 5 will operate as a north-south route covering 36.1 km from Nanjing Road Station in Hulan District to Dongsanhuan (East Third Ring Road) Station, with 25 stations across Songbei, Daoli, Nangang, and Xiangfang districts. Designed to connect key development and industrial zones, including the New Technology Development Zone, the line will relieve congestion on major thoroughfares like Jinxiang Street and the East Third Ring Road while improving access to peripheral areas. It shares a similar timeline of 2022 to 2027 and, as of November 2025, construction has not commenced, awaiting project initiation. It features multiple interchange stations, including with Line 1 at Hexing Road, Line 3 at Jinxiang Street, and Line 4 at West Third Ring Road and Dongli Square. These developments align with the Harbin Rail Transit Network Plan (2021–2035), adding approximately 70.6 km to the system for enhanced overall capacity. Upon completion, Lines 4 and 5 are projected to boost the total network length beyond 160 km by 2030, significantly expanding coverage and ridership potential.

Long-term network plans

The Rail Transit Network (2021–2035) was approved by the Harbin Municipal Government on July 24, 2025, providing a strategic framework for the city's metro expansion over the next decade. This plan adjusts the scope of key lines, including shortening the combined length of Lines 4 and 5 in their initial phases to 70.6 km with 54 stations, down from earlier longer proposals to align with updated urban priorities and resource allocation. The overall vision targets a network of 11 lines totaling 442.6 km by 2035, structured as a multi-tier system with 2 city-domain fast lines (75.7 km), 2 urban fast lines (105.7 km), and 7 urban trunk lines (261.2 km). These developments emphasize through efficient resource use and low-carbon operations, while prioritizing integration with the regional network to enhance intercity connectivity and support economic growth in Heilongjiang Province. Following the successful hosting of the 2025 Asian Winter Games, provincial investments in Harbin's infrastructure have increased to bolster public transport, including metro expansions that incorporate environmental adaptations such as advanced thermal insulation and drainage systems to address climate change impacts like variable freeze-thaw cycles. Potential additions to the network include monorail or tram lines in peripheral districts to extend coverage to suburban areas without overburdening the core metro system. Key challenges in realizing these plans involve mitigating permafrost and seasonal frozen ground effects, which can cause soil instability and require specialized foundation techniques like thermosyphons and insulated embankments for long-term durability. Urban integration efforts focus on minimizing disruptions during construction and ensuring seamless links with existing bus and rail services to avoid congestion in Harbin's densely built environment.

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