Kunming, a city of 7.26 million people in Yunnan province, opened its first two subway lines on Monday.

Each line has 12 stations and passes through a 22-km tunnel constructed on the plateau at an altitude of 1,891 meters.

Passengers can transit between the two lines. Ticket prices range from 2 yuan (33 cents) to 5 yuan depending on distance traveled.

Subway lines are becoming increasingly popular in Chinese cities.

In 2010, Kunming began the construction of its subway and more lines are planned.