Line 1 opened on 28 July 2004,[1] making Wuhan the fifth city in mainland China to have a metro system after Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Phase 1 stations are (from west to east): Zongguan, Taipingyang, Qiaokoulu, Chongrenlu, Lijibeilu, Youyilu, Xunlimen (originally Jianghanlu, connection with future Line 2; not to confuse with the future Jianghanlu station of Line 2), Dazhilu, Sanyanglu, Huangpulu.

Line 1, Phase 2 stations from west to east are Jinshandadao (not open yet), Dongwudadao, Wuhuandadao, Etouwan, Zhuyehai, Duoluokou, Gutianyilu, Gutianerlu, Gutiansanlu, Gutiansilu and Hanxiyilu to the West of Zongguan and Toudaojie, Erqilu, Xuzhouxincun, Danshuichi, Xinrong (originally Chalukou) and Dijiao to the East of Huangpulu (station names changed according to official system map and schedule[7]).

However, at an unspecified interval, half height platform gates are now being installed gradually.

A full train provides 176 seats, and can carry 1,276 passengers by Chinese regulation of 9 people per square meter.