As the host of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) 2026 from 17th to 19th of November, Shenzhen is in the international spotlight. It has come a long way from the quiet fishing village in the 1980’s. The development of its infrastructure in the last few years is mind boggling!
Take the metro stations, for instance. They are not just functional, but some are unique art forms. As I travel for free on the entire Shenzhen metro network, (a privilege enjoyed by certain Hong Kong residents over 60), I have fun-filled day trips from Hong Kong to seek out some truly spectacular metro stations – futuristic, artistic and aesthetic! Here are the first six!
Gangxia North Station 崗廈北站
This must be the most recognisable of Shenzhen‘s metro stations where tourists and locals alike flock to take selfies. It’s a massive transport hub, being the interchange station for 4 lines (Line 2, Line 10, Line 11, and Line 14). It’s jaw-droppingly stunning! The breathtaking geometric skylight dome floods the subterranean hall with natural light. No wonder it’s called “The Shenzhen Eye”
Shenzhen University Station 深圳大学站
The special feature of this station is the futuristic swirling vortex design with flowing circular lines, complemented by the orange-toned space-time tunnel escalator layout. It’s on Line 1 and the interchange station for Line 13 which I used to see the awe inspiring Shigu Station
Shigu Station 石鼓站
This station is on Line 13. It was only open in December 2025. Its diamond-shaped gothic arches are awe-inspiring. With light filtering through the skylights, it looks like a cathedral, an art gallery or a tech-art museum! It has fast become a destination for taking selfies!
Chegongmiao Station 車公廟站
Chegongmiao Station is another busy interchange station on Line 1, Line 7, Line 9 and Line 11 of the Shenzhen Metro. That’s nothing special about it except for the futuristic-themed walkway at Exit F. The circular glass tunnels have the inscriptions “THE FUTURE WORLD,” “TECHNOLOGY,” “NATURE, “TIME TUNNEL” on the archways. For a bit of Cyberpunk aesthetics, it’s unmissable!
Xinsheng Station (新生站)
This station is on Shenzhen Metro Line 3 and was opened on 28 December 2024.
The aquatic theme of the station is unmistakable. The large green lotus-leaf-shaped pillar on the platform catches the eyes as soon as the train doors open. Riding up the escalator to the concourse is like emerging from the bottom of a pond! Silver lights on the ceiling look like stalks of lily pads which complement the green leaves. The design was inspired by half-moon ponds often found in many Hakka villages. There’re 21 stops from Laojie on Line 1 to Xinsheng station, and It took about an hour to travel but it was worth it!!
Huangmugang station 黄木岗站
Huangmugang station is an interchange station for Line 7 and Line 14 of the Shenzhen Metro. Line 14 is just one stop from its terminus at Gangxia North Station. It features expansive multi-level open atriums designed around a “sunlight under the shade of trees” concept. There’re leisure facilities inside the station like table tennis tables and a coffee shop with bistro- style tables and chairs.
