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2026.10.29 17:35 GMT+8

China's subway stations offer more than just a ride

Updated 2026.10.29 17:35 GMT+8
CGTN

People exercise at a gym at Pazhou subway station in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. /VCG

People exercise at a gym at Pazhou subway station in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. /VCG

Subway stations in China are becoming more than just transport hubs. From gyms and canteens to evening classes and even marriage registration,they are offering a growing range of services for everyday life.

At Pazhou Station in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, a gym meets local demand for convenient workouts. Spanning more than 10,000 square meters, it features cardio and strength-training areas, boxing facilities, and table tennis and pickleball courts, giving commuters an easy way to fit exercise into their daily routines.

An APEC-themed installation is seen beneath the "Eye of Shenzhen" dome at Gangxia North subway station in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. /VCG

A view of Gangxia North subway station in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. /VCG

Sports facilities can also be found at Gangxia North Station in Shenzhen, a major interchange connecting five metro lines. With its futuristic dome known as the "Eye of Shenzhen" and the world's first fully transparent glass tunnel, the station is also a popular spot for photography.

People select dishes at a community canteen inside a subway station in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. /VCG

People dine at a canteen inside a subway station in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. /VCG

In Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, community canteens have opened inside subway stations. The Guangji Nanlu Metro Canteen, China's first community canteen inside a subway station, draws crowds at mealtimes.Another canteen inside a subway station near popular tourist attractions has also become a popular dining spot, offering more than 50 dishes for lunch.

As evening classes for adults gain popularity across China, a community night school has opened inside a subway station in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Courses range from makeup and baduanjin, a traditional Chinese exercise, to vocal training and AI applications. Located in the station concourse, the classrooms allow students to head straight to class by metro after work.

A couple poses for photos after marriage registration at Xingfuba subway station in Hefei, Anhui Province. /VCG

A couple registers their marriage at Xingfuba subway station in Hefei, Anhui Province. /VCG

In Hefei, Anhui Province, Xingfuba Station, whose name means "Happiness Dam,"is home to China's first marriage registration office inside a subway station. The office has witnessed more than 6,000 couples beginning a new chapter in their lives.

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