Guangzhou Metro Line 11, the urban loop line, is setto establish the country's first demonstration line showcasing intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in China.

Plans are underway to designate one key ICH station in each of the five central districts traversed by Line 11, with the remaining stations being designed to meet ICH standards.

Currently, the tender process for the overall decoration project, incorporating elements of intangible cultural heritage, is open for bidding.

The tender notice indicates that the 29 designed stations are divided into five key ICH stations and 24 standard ICH stations. Among these, one key station is selected from each of the five central districts, serving as a focal point to showcase Guangzhou's rich historical and cultural heritage.

The five key ICH stations along the entire line include Guangzhou East Railway Station (廣州東站), Guangzhou Railway Station (廣州火車站), Fangcun Station (芳村站), Pazhou Station (琶洲站), and the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Station (中醫(yī)藥大學(xué)站). These stations aim to showcase representative ICH projects, such as Cantonese opera, Cantonese porcelain, Cantonese embroidery, Guangdong lion dancing, and Guangzhou wood carving.

The cultural totems of five key ICH stations

The 24 standard ICH stations are categorized into eight types, including clothing, food, housing, transportation, scenery, history, commerce, and education, reflecting authentic Guangfu life and culture. The design includes main cultural totems and cultural design extensions for entry and exit passages.

The cultural totems of 24 standard ICH stations

As the first loop line in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Line 11 spans Tianhe, Baiyun, Yuexiu, Liwan, and Haizhu districts, covering a total length of 44.2 kilometers with 32 stations (excluding Tianhe Park Station 天河公園站 and Yuancun Station 員村站, which are built by Line 21). There are 26 interchange stations among them. The design for the 29 stations incorporating ICH elements does not include Yuancun Station (員村站), Tianhe Park Station (天河公園站), or Tianxin Village Station (田心村站).

Fangcun Station cultural display window (Cantonese Embroidery)

The preliminary design envisions that Line 11, with its strategic positioning and cultural significance, serves as a vital artery connecting Guangfu's old and new cities. It covers a wide range of Guangfu-style dining, culture, commerce, and scenic areas, intending to create an underground cultural corridor of intangible heritage.