Line 4 (Beijing Subway)
| Company type | Public-private partnership |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 8 November 2005 |
| Headquarters | Beijing , China |
| Products | Operation of Line 4 of the Beijing Subway |
| Owner | MTR Corporation (49%), Beijing Capital Group (49%), Beijing Infrastructure Investment Co. (2%) |
| Website | www |
Line 4 of the Beijing Subway () serves as a vital north-south rapid transit corridor within Beijing's extensive mass transit system. Since commencing operation on 28 September 2009, it traverses the western districts of Haidian, Xicheng, and Fengtai, stretching from Anheqiao North in the northern part of the city to Gongyixiqiao in the south. Covering a distance of , the line comprises 24 stations, predominantly underground except for the above-ground Anheqiao North station. Fare prices begin at RMB ¥3.00 and vary according to travel distance. The line is visually distinguished by its teal color.
Although classified as separate lines, Line 4 and the Daxing line are linked through through-running services. Two operational patterns exist: one covering the entire combined route of both lines and another shorter service terminating at Xin'gong station on the Daxing line. The combined Line 4/Daxing corridor accommodated an average daily passenger volume of 1.24 million in 2017, which rose to about 1.4 million by 2019, underscoring its significance in Beijing’s urban transit network.
Hours of operation
The earliest southbound departure from Anheqiao North begins at 5:00 AM, while the first northbound train leaves Gongyixiqiao at 5:10 AM. The final northbound service from Anheqiao North departs at 10:45 PM, with the last southbound train leaving Gongyixiqiao at 11:10 PM. A full journey along the line takes approximately 48 minutes.
Route
Starting at Anheqiao in the northern sector near the Summer Palace, Line 4 heads southward past landmarks such as the Old Summer Palace, before passing through Beijing’s university district and Zhongguancun, known as a technology hub. The route then veers east near the National Library of China and continues past the Beijing Zoo toward Xizhimen. Upon reaching Xizhimen and entering the 2nd Ring Road, it proceeds south through stations including Xinjiekou, Xisi, Xidan, Xuanwumen, Caishikou, and Taoranting Park. The line then connects with the high-speed rail network at Beijing South railway station before terminating at Gongyixiqiao. Although construction initiated in 2004, delays postponed its opening until 28 September 2009.
Service routes
- — (through service connecting via Daxing line)
- — (through service connecting via Daxing line)
- Peak hours (7:00-8:00): — (through service connecting via Daxing line)
Planning and construction
The initial planning for Line 4 dates back to the 1950s alongside Beijing’s first subway project. The original design envisioned a route extending from the Summer Palace eastward toward Xizhimen and then southeast to Zhongshan Park, ending near what is now Tiantandongmen Station. However, only the section between Summer Palace and Xizhimen was constructed initially. Actual construction work commenced in 2004.
On 3 December 2004, a public-private partnership was formed involving Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation, Beijing Infrastructure Investment Co., Ltd., and Beijing Capital Group Co., Ltd., marking Mainland China’s first such financing model for a subway line. A joint venture was officially established on 8 November 2005, with MTR contributing an investment of RMB 735 million in exchange for a 30-year operating concession.
By February 2009, tunnel boring was completed, followed by testing phases starting in March that included visits from officials from Hong Kong. Line 4 launched trial operations on 28 September 2009, increasing Beijing’s subway network to nine lines. The Daxing line began its trial run on 30 December 2010 and seamlessly integrated with Line 4 to form a continuous route approximately 50 km long with a total of 35 stations.
In 2008, Haidian District proposed an extension northward on Line 4 by about 8 kilometers adding four stations: Baiwangshan, Xibeiwang, Aerospace City West, and Yongfeng. This plan was abandoned by June 2010 and replaced with an extension of Line 16, Beijing Subway, which opened in 2016.
| Segment | Commencement | Length | Station(s) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anheqiaobei — Gongyi Xiqiao | 28 September 2009 | 28.2 km (17.523 mi) | 24 | (initial phase) |
| Gongyi Xiqiao — Tiangongyuan | 30 December 2010 | see Daxing line | (through services) | |
Operation
Line 4 is operated through a public-private partnership overseen by Beijing MTR Corp. Ltd., a collaborative enterprise formed by Hong Kong's MTR Corporation, Beijing Capital Group (BCG), and Beijing Infrastructure Investment Co. (BIIC). Both MTR and BCG possess 49% ownership stakes, while BIIC holds the remaining 2%. This joint venture provided 30% of the total investment, mainly allocated to electrical and mechanical systems, whereas the Beijing Municipal Government financed the other 70%, covering civil construction, station development, and track installation. BCG is a state-owned entity.
The joint venture has secured a 30-year operational concession for Line 4, with the objective of incorporating private investment alongside sophisticated metro management practices into Beijing’s subway network. A distinctive feature of Line 4’s management is its strict prohibition on eating and drinking inside trains and stations.
Rolling Stock
| Model | Image | Manufacturer | Year Built | Number in Service | Fleet Numbers | Depot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SFM05 | CRRC Qingdao Sifang | 2008, 2010 | 73 | 001–040 061–093 |
Longbeicun Majiapu Nanzhaolu |