With the opening of three new subway lines on Sunday, Beijing's urban rail transit network has grown to a total length of 879 kilometers, solidifying its status as the longest in China.

"The newly opened subway lines are crucial for easing traffic congestion in the city's central areas and supporting the development of areas along their routes," said Wu Yulan, deputy director of the rail transit operation management bureau at the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.

The new additions include the first phase of Line 3, connecting Dongsi Shitiao to Dongbabei; Line 12, linking Sijiqing Qiao to Dongbabei; and the remaining section of the southern extension of the Changping Line.

Together, they contribute approximately 43 km to the city's subway network, according to the commission.

Since the launch of Beijing's first subway line — Line 1 — in 1969, the capital has developed an extensive network with 29 lines and 522 stations. Wu emphasized the subway system's foundational role in supporting the city's development.