Published : 2025-10-16
On 16 October 2013, China's first inter-provincial metro line opened for trial operation. Henceforth, travelling by metro from Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, to the Shanghai city centre would become a reality.
Back in the day, as Nanjing and Suzhou in Jiangsu province opened their metro systems, Kunshan also entered the metro era on 16 October, 2013.
There are three metro stations in Kunshan, all of which are elevated stations: Zhaofeng Road Station, Guangming Road Station, and Huaqiao Station. The line spans a total length of 6 kilometres, and these three stations are integrated into the Shanghai Metro Line 11 network for operation.
It is understood that after the Huaqiao section opened for trial operation, the total operating mileage of Shanghai Rail Transit Line 11 reached 72 kilometres, becoming the longest metro line in the country at the time.
Starting from Huaqiao Station in Jiangsu Province, it takes just over an hour to reach the Shanghai city centre and make transfers within the rail transit network. This facilitates travel and commuting for residents of both Jiangsu and Shanghai.
Compared with traditional cross-province-city modes of transport, the convenience and affordability of metro transport are very attractive. Taking Xujiahui Station in the Shanghai city centre as an example, a ticket from Huaqiao Station in Jiangsu Province to Xujiahui Station costs only 7 RMB.
The newly built Huaqiao section is well-equipped with facilities and allows for "single-ticket transfers" to other rail transit lines. To reduce the impact of metro operations on the surrounding environment, the entire line's track was laid using vibration reduction technology, providing passengers with a more comfortable riding environment.
Experts pointed out that urban infrastructure has broken through administrative barriers to achieve true integration.
This breakthrough not only accelerated regional economic integration and enhanced the "one-city" effect across the broader region, but also set a precedent for interregional connectivity for the many major urban clusters in China that were rapidly expanding their rail transit networks at that time.
