The Southward extension of Metro line 5 has officially started operation recently, expanding the city’s metro network to Fengxian district. The main line now runs from Xinzhuang, the end station of Subway Line 1, to Xincheng in Fengxian. Its branch line operates between Dongchuan Rd. and Minhang Development Zone. Together with the newly opened Phase Two and Three of Line 13, the new extension increases the total length of Shanghai's operational metro lines to 705 kilometers, making it the longest urban rail transit system in the country.

 The new map of Metro Line 5

Here are a few things you need to know about the new extension of this first light rail line in China and there are a few landmarks you can check out along the line in near future.

As the first rail line that crosses the Huangpu River by bridge, it is possible now for passengers to take a glimpse of the Huangpu River when a line 5 subway train runs over the Minpu Second Bridge, between Jiangchuan Road station and Xidu Station.

Fengxian Wanda Square

Estimated opening time: September, 2019

Covering a total floor area of 260,000 square meters, the Fengxian Wanda Square project features a large shopping complex, a commercial street and a high-end office building. Fengxian Wanda Square aims to create an exhibition and trade center for cosmetics from home and abroad, as well as a one-stop shopping and entertainment center for Fengxian residents.

Location: West side of Fengpu Avenue station

Eryan Temple

A Buddhist sanctum in Fengxian, the Eryan Temple dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The compound is of modest size and the most famous feature of this temple is a two-meter high camphor wood-carved Guanyin (often known as the "Goddess of Mercy" or the Mercy Goddess in English) Buddha statue, the one with A Thousand Arms and Thousand eyes. Another highlight inside the temple is a 600-year-old gingko tree. It’s a perfect place for one to seek peace, or even enlightenment.

Location：No.1749, Huhang Expressway, Nanqiao Town

Transportation：1.1 km walk from Fengpu Avenue station

Guhua Garden   

Guhua Park was designed by Chen Congzhou, a famous Chinese architect, and covers more than 100,000 square meters. Some constructions in the park give allusions to the history of Fengxian District. The memorial grave of three ladies, for example, was constructed according to the legend of "King Wu burying his daughters". It recalls when there were a series of wars between the Wu kingdom and the Yua kingdom in the Chunqiu Dynasty. Fuchai, the king of Wu in 478 B.C, buried his three princesses alive in order to avoid the humiliation of them being caught by the Yue soldiers. Other historical attractions are a total of 22 bridges of diverse designs, with the most famous one, the Number One Bridge of Nantang, having been built in 1799.

Location: No 220 Middle Jiefang Road, Nanqiao Town, Fengxian

Transportation：2.2 kms away from Metro Line 5 East Huancheng Road station

Xcity

Estimated opening time: May, 2019

Xcity is a high-end shopping center that will combine catering, shopping, leisure and entertainment. Green technology is put at the heart of the design of the complex as it is strewn with various kinds of flowers, plantations and potted plants, forming a perfect blend of natural landscaping and human architecture. 

Location: No 999 East Huancheng Road, Fengxian

Transportation: 12 minutes walk from Metro Line 5 East Huancheng Road station

Shanghai Fish Lake

Jinhai Lake, nicknamed Shanghai Fish, connected to the Huangpu River and East Sea, is the largest artificial lake in Shanghai and will be a new social, cultural, and economic landmark in Fengxian. Nianfeng Park within the Jinhai Lake area has already opened to the public free of charge.

Location: Nianfeng Park, Shanghai Fish Lake (east park of Nianfeng Road), Fengxian

Transportation: 700 meters from Metro Line 5 Jinhai Lake Station

HanXiang Water Expo Garden

Located near the Minhang Development Zone station of Metro Line 5 (not strictly within Fengxian), it is easy to reach by shared bicycle. The park has a large number of bridges, each featuring a plaque that introduces its history. The park also features various species of aquatic plants rarely seen in built-up areas.

Location：No 380, Jiangchuan Road

Transportation: a bike ride from Metro Line 5 Minhang Development Zone station

Ticket price: 50RMB