An innovative metro station can be found approximately 380 feet (116 metres) below the ground–almost equal to about 40 floors—and is the “world’s deepest.” Hongyancun Station in Chongqing, China, is located in the Yuzhong district and was opened in 2022.
The station is a part of Line 9 of the Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT) system and showcases the city’s innovative infrastructure, designed to adapt to its mountainous geography.
It is famously built on hilly and mountainous terrain, earning it the nickname “Mountain City.”
The station’s depth accommodates the natural elevation changes and allows the metro line to traverse beneath the Yangtze River and other geographical barriers.
The station has numerous high-speed escalators and elevators to help passengers navigate the long descent.
However, the construction of the station has an interesting history.
During the station’s construction, workers needed approximately 38 minutes to ascend from the base to the surface.
This lengthy commute reflects the station’s extraordinary depth and the logistical complexity of working so far underground.
Today, passengers must navigate eight flights of escalators, which collectively take more than 10 minutes to descend.
To save time, passengers can opt for a high-speed elevator that travels the entire depth in just 53 seconds.
Many of the people who have been at the station have made similar remarks.
One person wrote on the TripAdvisor travel forum: “I do not usually review metros but I am so impressed with this one in Chongqing. It is a architectural marvel – looking at how the metro bisects and curves around the various hills and gorges of Chongqing.
“The metro is cheap, clean and has some amazing views. Do take the monorail lines – amazing views.”
A second user said: “Inexpensive, quick mode of transportation, and very efficient. Learn which exits are best for your destination. Buy and use a metro card and reload it with funds, as necessary.”
A third user agreed and said: “This is the most beautiful subway experience I have ever had. And I have indeed ridden many subways, tubes and metros all over the world. The way the tracks weaves through buildings, riversides, underground jutting out of the hillside, combined with the majestic views (when out of the ground) is something like jumping straight into one of those futuristic movies. Exciting but yet romantic. I hope to return to explore all the different routes.”
