My experience has not been as bad as it seems to be for you. Yes, there is some walking involved but rarely more than ten minutes to wherever I want to go.

I'm in Guilin, I don't think they ever finished the subway here. Every time I go down the stairs to the subway, I find the tunnels are filled with stores. It's so damp down there, don't know why the clothes aren't all moldy. but I have yet to find an open subway line.

I have only been in Guangzhou for 10 days and I think the subways are easily accessible.  But I come from South Africa and the transportation is really bad so this is definitely a step up for me and my family 

I think you need to remember that what a foreigner considers a desirable place to go isn't the same thing as a Chinese person. From  a Chinese perspective everything is pretty well where it should be. 

Have always thought the planners of the big cities in China of the day never expected in there wildest dreams the pace of growth in the big cities that is being seen now

Shenyang's subway has only been constructed in the last few years. Lines 1 and 2 hit most of the major spots as a consequence of the city taking shape before the lines were planned. There is a circle line that will link more places and also link with the 1st two lines that will open next year and a number of other lines are planned for the years to come. Add to this a tram system that is under construction and the cities transport future looks great.

The placement in Guangzhou is as good as I have seen anywhere, though I wish it was more luggage and handicap accessible in all stations.  I have not been to Beijing, so can't really comment, but you can't just put an entrance or exit anywhere, they have to dig around buildings, sewers, cabling and other obstructions.

I from UK and i think China's Metro system is far better and high tech than London tube system, i am impressed.

Harbin's subway isn't supposed to open till 2013.  It's all buses here.

(note:  Harbin population: 10 million, 10th biggest in China)