On December 25, the Information Office of the People’s Government of Xi’an Municipality held a press conference to announce the opening of the Xi’an Metro Line 8. Trial operations for the line commenced on December 26.
Construction of the Xi’an Metro Line 8 began in October 2019 and the line was fully operational by December 2024, marking a construction period of 5 years and 2 months—one of the fastest for a loop metro line in the country. This line is a crucial backbone of Xi’an’s rail transit network and is the only loop line planned for the system. Spanning approximately 50 kilometers and entirely underground, it has 37 stations. Line 8 connects with existing lines at 13 transfer stations, which accounts for 38% of the entire network. This makes it the “King of transfer,” effectively linking the various components of the Xi’an metro network.
Metro Line 8 serves as a vital connection, also referred to as a “golden belt”, spanning between the city’s 2nd and 3rd Ring Roads. It runs through the Yanta, Lianhu, Weiyang, Xincheng, and Baqiao Districts, and links key areas such as the Qujiang New Area, Xi’an High-tech Zone, Xi’an Economic and Technological Development Zone, and Xi’an Chanba International Harbor. This development enables every resident of Xi’an to reach their destinations more quickly and conveniently.
The trains of Metro Line 8 run in a circular route, with the inner loop trains traveling clockwise and the outer loop trains traveling counterclockwise. After entering the station, passengers can distinguish the direction of travel by using the hanging signs above the platform and the route map on the platform screen. The direction can also be determined by checking the next station or passing stations displayed on the platform screen.
After the opening, Metro Line 8 will adopt the unified “distance-based pricing system”. The full-line fare is 6 yuan, and the maximum network fare is 13 yuan. All stations support QR code entry and facial recognition entry.
