Based on the construction progress of rail transit in various regions and official opening plans, we have predicted and summarized the new metro and intercity rail lines expected to open in China in 2026. The following lines are sorted by their estimated additional mileage.
Reminder: This forecast is for reference only. Actual opening dates are subject to change due to construction progress and other factors. Please refer to official announcements from local governments or rail transit authorities. This data is compiled from the forecast tables by "Lotanpai zhz."
2026 Highlights: Intercity and Key Lines
2026 will be a milestone year for cross-city (inter-provincial) rail transit, significantly enhancing the regional integration of several major metropolitan clusters:
- Beijing Metropolitan Area: The "Jingxiong Express," crossing Beijing and Hebei (connecting Beijing, Yongqing, and Bazhou in Langfang to the Xiong'an New Area), is expected to enter service. Additionally, Line 22 (Pinggu Line), connecting Sanhe in Langfang to Pinggu District in Beijing, will see major progress.
- Nanjing Metropolitan Area: The inter-provincial Line S2 (Ningma Line), connecting Nanjing to Ma'anshan in Anhui Province, is scheduled to open.
- Hangzhou Metropolitan Area: The Hang-De Intercity Railway, connecting Hangzhou to Deqing in Huzhou, is expected to open and operate through-train services with Hangzhou Metro Line 10.
- Xiamen Metropolitan Area: Metro Line 6, connecting Xiamen to the Jiaomei area in Zhangzhou, is expected to be completed.
- Taipei/New Taipei Metropolitan Area: The Sanying Line of the New Taipei Metro, crossing New Taipei City and Taoyuan City, is expected to open for traffic.
As these lines are gradually implemented, transportation links between urban clusters will become closer, and "Metropolitan Areas on Rails" are rapidly taking shape.
