The Wait is Over: Metro Line 13 Arrives
With just a month left before the New Year, workers in Kexing Science Park are already celebrating early. Why? Because after a six-year wait, Shenzhen Metro Line 13 is finally here!
According to the latest update from Shenzhen Metro, the southern section of Line 13 will officially begin operations at 10:18 AM on December 28. Alongside it, four other new metro extensions—Line 3 Phase 4, Line 7 Phase 2, Line 11 Phase 2, and Line 12 Phase 2—will also launch on the same day.
Why Line 13 is a Game-Changer
Among the five newly launched metro lines, Line 13 has generated the most excitement. Spanning 6.4 kilometers, it features seven stations:
- Shenzhen Bay Port Station
- Talent Park Station
- Houhai Station
- Keyuan Station
- Yuehaimen Station
- Shenzhen University Station
- Gaoxin Zhong Station
This is the first metro line to provide direct access to Shenzhen Bay Port and, more importantly for many, the first to reach Kexing Science Park, an area notorious for its traffic congestion.
Although the initial segment of Line 13 may be short, it represents a massive leap forward for Kexing’s daily commuters.
Commuters Rejoice: A Relief from Traffic Woes
For workers in Kexing Science Park, the daily commute battle is all too familiar. The traffic jams on Keyuan Road, the crowded platforms at Shenzhen University Station, and the never-ending “last kilometer” between the metro and the office—all have long been sources of frustration.
In fact, regular commuters have mastered their own hacks for navigating the chaos:
- “For distances under two kilometers, cycling is the fastest!”
- “Avoid Shenzhen University Exit A3. Take Exit D instead—it’s 100 meters further but saves you 10 minutes!”
- “If you don’t switch lanes at Financial Tech Station, you’ll hit a bottleneck and lose 30 minutes!”
A Long-Awaited Solution to the Transportation Gap
Unlike Futian CBD or Chegongmiao, which enjoy multiple metro lines, Shenzhen’s High-Tech Park has long lacked sufficient transportation options.
- The southern part of the park fares slightly better, with access to Line 2 (Keyuan, Houhai) and Line 9 (Shenzhen University South, Yuehaimen).
- However, the central (Kexing) and northern (Ziguang Information Port) sections have remained metro deserts, forcing thousands of commuters to rely on the overcrowded Shenzhen University Station (Line 1).
The demand for a north-south metro route in the tech park has been urgent—not just for local workers but for Shenzhen as a whole.
Metro Line 13: Shenzhen’s Long-Awaited Artery
From the start, Line 13 was designed as a key north-south transit route, connecting the districts of Nanshan, Bao’an, and Guangming. It was envisioned as a critical transportation backbone, linking major hubs.
Originally scheduled for completion between January 2018 and December 2022, the project faced significant delays. Now, after two years of waiting, commuters can finally enjoy the convenience they were promised.
The Shenzhen Transportation Bureau explained that the delay was caused by complex construction challenges, particularly the integration of the Xili Transport Hub, high-speed rail projects, and underground developments. This ultimately pushed the full opening of Phase 1 (Shenzhen Bay Port to Shangwu Station) back by two years.
For many, the number “1313” has become synonymous with impatience and anticipation—but at long last, the wait is over.
A New Era for Shenzhen’s Commuters
With Metro Line 13 finally operational, workers in Kexing Science Park and beyond can expect shorter commute times, fewer traffic headaches, and a smoother daily journey. The road to completion may have been long, but this long-awaited metro expansion is a game-changer for the city’s tech hub.
For now, all that’s left to do is tap your metro card, hop on, and enjoy the ride!
