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The Xian subway web is scheduled to have 4 lines, with a total length of 144.27 kilometers. Line 1, Line 2 and Line 3 are the main subways while others function as supplements to the main lines. Line 1 and Line 2 will meet at the Bell Tower, formulating a big cross underground. With a total 58.57 kilometers length, the investment for the two main lines is CNY 17,950 million. After a meticulous consideration between the two lines, the government decided to put Line 2 into operation first. Line 2 started to be built on Sep. 29, 2006, which heralded the beginning of Xian subway age.

Currently, Line 1 and Line 2 are under construction smoothly. It is estimated that the two main lines will be officially open to traffic respectively at the end of 2013 and 2011. Line 2 stretches from the Xian North Railway Station to the south rural area of Xian with 21 stops in between. The travel time will only be 39 minutes for the entire length, half of the current commute time (by bus). Undoubtedly, the Xian subway will lighten the burden of transportation to a great extent and provide a great convenience to local people.

As Xian is a historical city, the problem which concerned most people was whether the construction would damage historical sites, especially for Line 1 and Line 2 which are going to go through the Bell Tower and City Wall. However, a related official said, 'The significance of Xian subway is to enhance the transportation under the premise of the integrity of Xian historical sites'. He further confirmed that the government had made three explorations already before the construction began and did not find any venerable historical sites and culture relics; hence, the metro construction and culture protection will not conflict with each other.

A subway is a necessity for an international metropolis. Quite a lot of metropolises in the world possess unique featured subways which afford lessons meriting our attention. The Xian subway will have its own shining points in the underground part or at the Exit/Entry door. People will immediately recognize them at first sight. There will be Xian-featured frescos and cultural relics exhibited in each railway station, making it not solely a station. It will be more like a place for culture exchange and presenting the city's outlook.

 Line 1: (west - east) Xianyang City—Fangzhicheng, Xian City
Full length: 31.93 kilometers
The first phase (2009-2013): Houweizhai to Fangzhicheng
The second phase (2013-2016): Houweizhai to Forest Park, Xianyang City
Main stops: Epanggong, Laodong (Labor) Road, North Street, Wulukou, Chaoyang Gate, Kangfu Road (totally 21 stops)
Line 1 will run at two-minute intervals. It is estimated that the passenger transportation volume will reach 287,000 per day. It will take only 45 minutes from Houweizhai to Fangzhicheng.

 Line 2 (north - south): Xian North Railway Station—Weiqu, Chang'an District
Full length: 26.64 kilometers
Construction time: 2006-2011
Main stops: North Street, Bell Tower, Xiaozhai, International Exhibition Hall, Changan District (totally 21 stops)

 Line 3 (northeast - southwest): Xian International Trade&Logistics Park—Yuhuazhai, Xian Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone—Cepo
Full length: 50.5 kilometers
Construction time: 2011-2015
Main stops: Chanhe, Qinglong Temple, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xiaozhai, Keji Road (totally 34 stops).

 Line 4 (north - south): Caotan Nongchang (Caotan Farmland)—Hangtiancheng (Aviation City), Chang'an District
Full length: 35.2 kilometers
Construction time: 2016-2020
Main stops: Daminggong Palace, Xian Railway Station, Heping Gate, Big Wild Goose Pagoda (totally 23 stops)