Objective In the context of constructing a 'metropolitan area on rail,' city （suburban） railways, as an important mode of transport connecting central cities with surrounding urban clusters, integrate the timetable-based operation model of national railways with the transit-oriented characteristics of urban rail systems. This poses new challenges to traditional wayfinding systems, and it is necessary to investigate city railway wayfinding signage system systematically.

Method Based on the operational characteristics of suburban railways, a comparative analysis is conducted of the fundamental differences between city railways, national railways, and urban rail transit in terms of service models, fare systems, and management mechanisms. A theoretical framework is then proposed in which wayfinding systems should transform from traditional 'process-oriented' approach to an 'information-based decision-making' model. Taking Jiashan Station project of the Jiaxing-Fengnan Suburban railway—currently in the design phase—as a case study, optimization strategies for wayfinding signage systems applicable to complex suburban railway hub stations are explored from a design perspective, with the aim of providing references for the wayfinding system design of similar suburban railway hubs under construction.

Result & Conclusion  An integrated wayfinding system constructed based on the 'three-layer-four-dimensional' model and the 'five-measure' framework can effectively support passengers' decision-making needs throughout the entire travel process, and is expected to significantly improve travel efficiency and user experience in complex hubs. The Jiashan Station design case demonstrates that with theoretically guided systematic design, the wayfinding challenges of complex hub stations can be accurately addressed.