The Shenzhen Metro is the backbone of public transport in the city and the easiest way to move between the main commercial and residential districts. The network has grown rapidly and now covers most areas a visitor is likely to need, including Futian, Luohu, Nanshan, and the high-speed rail stations.
Trains are fast, frequent, clean, and cheap. Single-journey fares are calculated by distance and are generally low. You can pay with cash at ticket machines, load a Shenzhen Tong transport card, or use Alipay or WeChat Pay — the card or mobile payment is faster and avoids queuing.
The metro also connects directly to Hong Kong via the Lok Ma Chau and Futian cross-border stations, making it the most straightforward way to cross the border without taking a taxi or bus.
Stations are clearly signed in both Chinese and English, and the network map is straightforward to follow. Platform screens display arrival times, and announcements are made in Mandarin and English.