Guangzhou metro repurpose transfer passageways into gym, library

Last year, Guangzhou adopted a policy on revitalising metro stations,

allowing the operating company to rent out spaces inside stations.

In Pazhou Station on the Guangzhou Metro,

part of the station has been converted into a gym

where office workers can squeeze in some exercise during their commute.

This office worker is using his lunch break to weight train.

This gym, covering more than 6,000 square metres,

has about 300 pieces of fitness equipment,

including treadmills and strength-training machines.

It also has a Hyrox training area.

This gym is located inside Guangzhou Metro's Pazhou Station.

The Pazhou area has lots of tech companies

where many young people work.

With the country promoting national fitness in recent years,

Guangzhou Metro converted an unused transfer passage into a membership-based gym,

with memberships priced at 99 yuan for the first month,

and 199 yuan for subsequent months.

This Guangzhou resident said the gym

is close to his work,

it takes seven to eight minutes to walk here.

This gym makes it comfortable

for people who want to exercise before or after work too.

Another Guangzhou resident said

he comes here every day and whenever he has free time.

He said it would be best if they built a swimming pool here in the future

as summers can get quite hot.

This gym is outfitted with some less common equipment,

such as this rope-climbing machine that works the back muscles and forearms.

The Pazhou Station also added a pickleball court,

which has been used more than 70,000 times since

it was opened last year.

Subway construction, maintenance, and labour costs are high,

but fares have long remained low.

Analysts argue by introducing diverse business modes,

the operator can use commercial revenue to subsidise subway operations.

At Panyu Square Station,

there is a library where citizens can read on site,

borrow and return books.

However, because the library is located in the paid area,

citizens can only stay for a maximum of 4.5 hours.

After that, an overtime fee might be charged.