The Xicen Station on the western extension of Metro Line 17 started operating on Nov 30, streamlining transport services between the suburban innovation center in Qingpu district and downtown Shanghai.

After the new station's opening, Line 17 will expand to 14 stations, bringing the total milage of the city's metro network to 837 kilometers.

The western extension of Line 17 stretches over 6 kilometers from Oriental Land Station to Xicen Station, all constructed as elevated tracks.

The Xicen Station is adjacent to the Huawei Lianqiu Lake R&D Center — which is the largest research center of the company globally.

It links the Xicen Science and Technology Innovation Center, where the Huawei researcher center is located, with Qingpu new town and downtown Shanghai.

The new station provides Huawei employees with a faster commute while improving transportation options for residents.

"Previously, traveling to the city required multiple transfers, which was very inconvenient," said one resident surnamed Zhang from Jinze town.

"Now, the direct metro line not only saves time but it's also reinforced our confidence in the area's development," the local added.

In the wake of the station's opening, it now takes less than an hour to travel from Jinze to the Hongqiao Railway Station.

The metro station will also be connected with the suburban railway demonstration zone line in the future, facilitating the integration of the Yangtze River Delta region.

Xicen Station's design draws inspiration from the water-town aesthetics of the Jiangnan region, with its fan-shaped structure blending tradition and modernity.

Source: Shanghai Observer