It connects the CBDs of Futian, Nanshan and Qianhai to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport and onward to Fuyong, Shajing and Songgang suburban areas.

It serves as both a regional express line from the west coast of Shenzhen to the city core area and an airport rail link.

[8] In December 2008, a ground breaking ceremony was held for the project, attended by Party Secretary Wang Yang and Governor Huang Huahua.

[9] However, design changes started immediately after due to disagreements on how to integrate the metro project with the intercity line.

The result was a new plan to construct a Pearl River Delta Metropolitan Region intercity railway network.

Business Class has transverse seating and curtains[14] for comfort and luggage racks for airport passengers.

Business Class carriages are marked by dark grey floor tiles and yellow panels above the platform screen doors.

Standard class carriages are marked by light grey floor tiles and white panels above the doors.