“Line 9,” a voice calls out cutting through the city’s hum. This is not just any line. This is Shenzhen Metro’s Line 9 also known as the Meilin line. Before that it was known as the Neihuan line.
Shenzhen’s Line 9 is more than just a transport route. It is a vital artery that connects key districts. It runs east to west. It stretches 36.18 km. The line weaves through Nanshan, Futian, and Luohu. Its color is a sleek grey.
Imagine Shenzhen before Line 9. Getting across town was a slog. Now, Line 9 whisks you from Qianwan to Wenjin in comfort. The line boasts 32 stations. Ten of these are transfer stations. This makes navigating Shenzhen a breeze.
Construction started in 2012. Main stations were ready by July 2014. Tunnels followed in September 2016. Trial operations began in October 2016. Shenzhen Metro Line 3 Operations oversaw the project. They later merged with Shenzhen Metro Group.
Line 9 opened on October 28, 2016. A western extension followed on December 8, 2019. This extension runs from Qianwan to Hongshuwan South. It added 10.79 km and ten stations.
The line runs from Qianwan to Wenjin. Key stations include Yihai and Litchi Orchards. You can find Nanyou West and Nanshan Book Mall along the route. Shenzhen University South is also on Line 9.
Trains arrive frequently. When it opened, trains came every six to eight minutes. These trains are Type A stock. They were made by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles.
Line 9 has some interesting connections. Chegongmiao connects to Lines 1, 7, and 11. Jingtian links to Line 2. Shangmeilin connects to Line 4. Maling links to Line 10. Yinhu links to Line 6. Hongling North connects to Line 7. Hongling links to Line 3. Yuehaimen links to Line 13.
So, as you travel on Line 9 remember its past. It started as an idea. It became a vital part of Shenzhen’s present. It connects you to the city.