On September 18th, Guangzhou Metro began the first round of public notifications for the environmental impact assessment of the section of Dongguan Metro Line 1 Phase 2 that enters Guangzhou, from the Guangzhou-Dongguan border to Huangpu New Port Station. According to the plan, Dongguan Metro Line 1 will connect with Guangzhou Metro Line 5 at Huangpu New Port Station. Once complete, Guangzhou residents will only need to transfer once to reach Dongguan's Hongfu Road business district, while Dongguan residents can transfer once to arrive at Guangzhou's Zhujiang New Town.

Currently, the first phase of Dongguan Metro Line 1 is under construction, stretching about 58 kilometers from Dongguanxi Station to Huangjiang Central Station. It directly connects two major areas: Dongguan's urban district and the Songshan Lake High-Tech Industrial Development Zone. Together with Dongguan Metro Line 2, they will form a cross-shaped metro network in the city.

Guangzhou Metro has reserved space at Huangpu New Port for future eastward expansion, which will link with Dongguan Metro. Once completed, Line 5 will also connect Foshan in the west and further boost development towards Dongguan in the east, crossing major districts like Liwan, Yuexiu, Tianhe, and Huangpu in Guangzhou. This enhanced connectivity will further accelerate the Greater Bay Area's development through its comprehensive rail system.

It's reported that Dongguan Metro Line 1 Phase I is expected to open next year. When both phases are operational, Guangzhou and Dongguan's metro networks will be fully interconnected, allowing one transfer for easy travel between Dongguan and Guangzhou's CBD.