Shenzhen Metro Line 8 Phase III has been connected with the existing Line 2 and Line 8, entered the trial operation stage according to the official timetable, and the opening work has entered the countdown. As a golden link connecting the east and west of Shenzhen as well as the city with mountains and seas, it not only improves the convenience of residents’ daily travel, but also effectively links the tourism and leisure resources along the line, injecting new momentum into regional development. Recently, the author paid an on-site visit to the under-construction Xichong Station.
Simultaneous Construction of Xichong Depot
Shenzhen Metro Line 8 Phase III starts from Xiaomeisha Station and ends at Xichong Station, with a total length of 3.69 kilometers. It includes one station (Xichong Station) and one interval, and one Xichong Depot is built simultaneously. After the line is opened, it will operate in conjunction with Line 2 and Line 8, forming a backbone rail transit line running through Nanshan, Futian, Luohu, Yantian and Dapeng New District.
This line mainly serves the daily commuting needs of residents along Yantian and Dapeng New District, providing the public with a more stable and efficient public transportation option. The overall route of the line is highly consistent with the eastern development axis in Shenzhen’s urban spatial structure. After the whole line is connected, it will end the history of “blind spots” in the rail network coverage of Dapeng New District, strengthen the rapid connection between the eastern clusters and the Futian Central Business District, and provide strong support for improving the regional rail transit network structure and supporting regional development strategies.
Building an “Sky Garden Community”
With the design themes of “Park Community” and “Integrating Ancient and Modern Elements”, Xichong Depot adopts a vertical layered composite layout to organically superimpose transportation facilities, commercial supporting facilities and residential functions, building an intensive and efficient “sky city” and creating a livable and business-friendly “Sky Garden Community”. In the landscape design, the depot fully preserves the native ancient trees in the area, builds an ancient tree park with regional characteristics, and integrates the cultural elements of Xichong Old Village, so that ancient trees, ancient villages and modern rail transit are intertwined, vividly showing the historical context of the region’s centennial evolution.
The concurrently constructed Xichong Station is designed around the “Sunshine+” concept. Based on the natural environment rich in mountain and sea resources, it introduces the concept of “Ecological Green Valley”, integrates the imagery of ancient trees into the station’s architectural structure and lighting design. The walls on both sides extend the spatial vision inspired by the outline of distant mountains, making the station naturally integrate with the surrounding ecological environment. The overall space is bright, transparent and full of vitality, bringing a more comfortable and user-friendly travel experience to the public.
Conveniently Connecting Tourism Resources Along the Line
After the line is opened, citizens’ travel will be more convenient, and they can take the metro directly to major tourist and leisure attractions along the line. Hong Kong residents can complete customs clearance at Liantang Port and then take the metro from Liantang Port Station directly to Xichong Station, easily reaching the Dapeng Xichong Coast and enjoying the coastal vacation fun to the fullest.
Xichong Resort is about 900 meters away from Xichong Metro Station, covering an area of approximately 134,000 square meters. Integrating accommodation, catering and entertainment, it provides coastal guest rooms, sea-view restaurants and marine sports facilities, making it an ideal choice for weekend relaxation, family vacations and friend trips.
Shenkui Road, about 2.3 kilometers away from Xichong Metro Station, is known by many citizens as “Shenzhen’s Most Beautiful Coastal Highway”. With mountains on one side and the sea on the other, it offers a panoramic view of the blue sea along the way. There is a coastal plank road beside the road, where citizens can take a leisurely walk, or drive eastward from Beizaigjiao to Kuiyong, passing through multiple beaches and viewing spots along the way.
Beizaigjiao Plank Road, about 3 kilometers away from Xichong Metro Station, is the last section at the eastern end of Yantian Coastal Plank Road. Built facing the sea with a wide view, it allows visitors to enjoy the clear sea water and reef scenery up close. The red and white lighthouse at the end of the plank road is an iconic check-in spot. The entire plank road is flat, suitable for families to walk easily. In the evening, visitors can also enjoy the seaside sunset, making it a great place to get close to nature and relax.
With the official opening of Shenzhen Metro Line 8 Phase III, the connection between the east and west of the city will be closer, residents’ travel and leisure will be more convenient, the beauty of Shenzhen’s mountains and seas will be within easy reach, and it will also add new colors to regional development, tourism revitalization and citizens’ better life.
