Summary of Key Points
In the first half of 2026, the operating mileage of urban rail transit across the country increased steadily. The top ten cities in terms of mileage remained unchanged, but some cities saw the opening of new lines. Ningbo emerged as the "increment champion" according to the standards set by the Ministry of Transport, with an increase of 35.4 kilometers, while Nanjing had the largest increment based on the criteria of a certain association due to the inclusion of intercity railways in its statistics. In the second half of the year, several cities will launch key lines that facilitate cross-city travel and integrate air and rail transportation. However, the pace of new subway construction is expected to slow down as national approval processes become more stringent, with greater emphasis on actual demand and financial capability.
I. Rail Transit Development in the First Half of the Year: Steady Progress Despite No Changes in the Top Ten
The operating mileage of rail transit increased by 138.5 kilometers nationwide, with a total of 346 new lines in 54 cities. The top ten cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Xi'an) maintained their rankings, but each of these cities saw the opening of new lines:
- Wuhan Line 12 is particularly noteworthy as it represents Wuhan's first subway ring line and is also the longest in Asia, with a length of nearly 60 kilometers. The first phase of the line (35.3 kilometers) has been opened, connecting four central urban areas, including Qingshan and Wuchang. Once fully operational by National Day, it will enable passengers to transfer between 18 different lines, further enhancing the city's transportation network.
- As of now, there are nine cities in China with subway ring lines: Beijing (two lines), Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Harbin, and Wuhan. The total mileage of Beijing's two ring lines is 80.1 kilometers, making it the longest in the country.
II. Ningbo vs Nanjing: Why Are There Two "Increment Champions"?
There were two cities with the highest increases in the first half of the year:
- According to the Ministry of Transport (which only counts high-capacity lines such as subways): Ningbo had the highest increase, with 35.4 kilometers added. Ningbo has been actively expanding its subway network; in 2025, it added 67.2 kilometers, and this year, the opening of Phase I of Line 6 added another 35.4 kilometers, bringing the total mileage to nearly 300 kilometers (296.8 kilometers).
- According to the association's criteria (which includes tramways and intercity railways): Nanjing had the highest increase, with 54.23 kilometers added, mainly due to the opening of Line S2, which is an intercity railway with subway-like features. Since Line S2 is not considered a "pure subway" by the Ministry of Transport, Nanjing's mileage did not change in their statistics.
In summary, the Ministry of Transport focuses on traditional subways, while the association includes all types of rail transport systems, which is why there are two different champions.
III. Many New Lines Expected in the Second Half of the Year: Focusing on Cross-City and Air-Rail Integration
Several cities will introduce new lines that address real transportation challenges:
- Hefei: Phase I of Line 7 has been opened (18.8 kilometers), and by the end of the year, Line S1 to Xinqiao Airport will also be launched (36.4 kilometers), providing seamless connections between the airport and the train station. This will increase Hefei's total subway mileage to 314.2 kilometers, surpassing Ningbo's.
- Xiamen: An extension of Line 6 to Jiaomei (9.8 kilometers) will open by the end of the year, becoming the first cross-city subway in the province, connecting Xiamen and Zhangzhou, eliminating the need for residents to take long bus routes.
- Beijing: The Jingxiong Express Line (R1) will be opened in the second half of the year, linking Xiongan with Daxing Airport. Additionally, the Hongmiao to Pinggu section of Line Pinggu will open, allowing residents in the northern suburbs to reach the city center in 9 minutes and Chaoyang in 28 minutes, thus bringing them within Beijing's "one-hour commute zone."
- Tianjin: An extension of Line 8 will add 4.46 kilometers, further improving the urban transportation network.
IV. Future Subway Development: More Stringent National Approval Processes
In recent years, national approval for subway projects has become more stringent. For example, the construction of Line 18 in Shenzhen was denied, and the eastward extension of Line 14 to Huizhou was postponed due to insufficient conditions in that city.
The reasons are straightforward:
- Subways are expensive to build and operate; each line can cost billions, and many cities rely on subsidies to cover operating costs (with many losing millions annually).
- Urban development is shifting from aggressive land acquisition to more targeted planning. New lines must meet criteria such as a sufficient population base, high passenger demand, and the ability to afford the construction and maintenance.
As a result:
- Major cities and second-tier cities with strong economic foundations (such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Wuhan) will continue to expand their subway networks.
- Cities experiencing negative population growth or low passenger demand will slow down subway construction, focusing instead on optimizing existing lines and improving operational efficiency (e.g., reducing idle times and enhancing transfer facilities).
In summary, the development of rail transit in 2026 is characterized by stability, with new lines opening while there is a shift from focusing on quantity to quality. For citizens, new cross-city and air-rail connections will make travel more convenient. For cities, the era of reckless subway construction has passed, and rational planning is now essential.