Underground Chronicles – My Visit to Guangzhou Metro Museum

#gzonbudget Located beneath Wanshengwei Station in Haizhu District, the Guangzhou Metro Museum opened on December 20, 2016. As South China’s first urban rail transport museum, it spans three basement floors and covers around 4,400 m²—designed to educate while engaging visitors with the evolution of Guangzhou’s metro system . I arrived just after opening (around 10:00 AM) and devoted about 1–2 hours exploring. Exhibition Highlights: • B1 (Construction Zone): Featuring realistic shield-boring machine models and explanations of Guangzhou’s geological conditions and underground engineering methods—cave atmosphere recreated! . • B2 (Development History): Covers the history of metro construction in Guangzhou and China, with historic tickets, network growth charts, city transit evolution displays, and comparative exhibits of other metros . • B3 (Operations & Safety): Interactive driver simulators, signal-switch models, VR experiences, safety role-play areas—perfect for families seeking hands-on fun . Admission & Practical Info: • 🕒 Hours: • Tue–Fri: 10:00–16:00 (ticket distribution ends at 15:30) • Sat–Sun: 9:00–17:00 (ticket distribution ends at 16:30) • Closed on Mondays (excluding holidays)  • 💴 Admission: Free, but QR-code reservation via WeChat is required before entry  • 🚇 Access: Located in Wanshengwei Station (Exits A), at Wansheng Plaza Tower C’s basement floors  • ♿ Facilities: Fully wheelchair-accessible; bilingual signage; occasional guided tours available for a small fee (~¥100) • ⏱ Suggested Visit Duration: 1–2 hours—enough time for immersive interactions and exhibits Why It’s Worth Visiting: • 🛠 Engineering up-close: Witness authentic subway construction simulated via actual shield borers and geological displays . • 🎧 Interactive & educational: Engaging exhibits with VR, model operations, and metro driving simulators—captivating for all ages . • 🗺 Urban history insight: Learn how the metro transformed commuting patterns and city development in the region . • 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly atmosphere: Hands-on stations and themed zones make it a hit with school groups and curious kids . • 🏝 Strategic location: Easily paired with visits to nearby attractions, shopping centers, or meals after exiting the station Final Thoughts: The Guangzhou Metro Museum is a clever blend of education and entertainment—ideal for transport enthusiasts, engineering geeks, families, or anyone curious about the city’s underground infrastructure. Free admission, rich visuals, and interactive exhibits make it perfect for a quick yet enriching stop. Just remember to book in advance via WeChat, and get ready to journey through the heart of Guangzhou’s metro story—all underground!