Line 7 runs parallel and to the south of Line 1 and the Batong Line, from Beijing West Railway Station to the Universal Resort.
Construction began in January 2010 with full operation starting on December 28, 2014. The stations have longer platforms that can accommodate 8-train cars (compared with existing platforms which can only take 6-train cars) as the Fatou area was deemed likely to be a significant employment hub in the future.
Line 7 was originally planned to use 1500 V DC overhead lines to power the longer subway trains. However, the already completed platforms at Beijing West railway station assumed the line would use a 750 V DC 3rd rail system like Beijing's legacy subway lines and built with vertical clearance for such. The line ultimately used a 1500 V DC 3rd rail system as a compromise
Line 7’s stations have been designed around a theme of ‘Charm of the South of Beijing’, depicting the culture and local life in the area.
A particular feature is the use of calligraphy to depict the station names on the majority of the line’s platforms. Each has the calligrapher’s chop seal and name to show whose work it is.
Another commonly used design element along this line is the use of symmetrical fretwork patterns, in both wood and stone.
Here are the stations that have artwork on display...
Wanzi
Daguanying
Guanganmennei
Caishikou
Hufangqiao
Zhushikou
Qiaowan
Ciqikou
Guangqumennei
Guangqumenwai
Jiulongshan
Dajiaoting
Baiziwan
Huagong
Nanlouzizhuang
Happy Valley scenic area
Shuanghe
Jiaohuachang
Wansheng Xi
Wanshengdong
Qunfang
Universal Resort