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At 116 meters deep, the Hongyancun subway in China requires a descent of eight escalators or a dizzying elevator. The pressure change is so intense that your ears pop like you're flying!
40 stories underground to catch a subway? In the mountainous city of Chongqing in central China, that’s a reality. Hongyancun Station, opening in 2022, is the deepest in the world, reaching an impressive 116 meters below ground. The experience is so unique that passengers report feeling their ears pop, as if they were on an airplane. Let’s explore this subterranean wonder that redefines the limits of engineering.
Where is the deepest subway station in the world?
Hongyancun Station is located in Yuzhong District, Chongqing, an area known for its steep hills and mountainous landscapes. This challenging geography was the main reason for building such a deep station. Unlike flat places where metro stations can be built closer to the surface, Chongqing required engineers to get creative, resulting in a project that feels like a journey to the center of the Earth.
Why is depth so impressive?
To understand the grandeur of Hongyancun Station, just compare it to other stations. Hampstead Tube Station in London is 58 meters deep, while Washington Park in Portland, USA, is 79 meters deep. Even the famous Arsenalna Station in Ukraine, at 105 meters, is not as deep as Hongyancun.
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The descent causes a unique sensation in passengers: popping in the ears due to the change in pressure. This phenomenon, common in airplanes, occurs more intensely for those who choose to descend quickly in the elevator, while escalators offer a smoother transition to reach the subway.
What is it like to get down to Hongyancun station?
Getting to the Hongyancun platform is an adventure in itself. There are eight escalators that take almost a minute to travel 116 meters underground. For those who opt for the elevator, the experience is even more intense, with the sensation of literally falling underground.
Interestingly, the workers who participated in the construction The station’s passengers faced a daily 38-minute “climb” to return to the surface, which was compared to climbing a mountain. Today, passengers can relax while the escalators do the heavy lifting, but not without a hint of excitement.
Technology and modernity at 116 meters deep
Despite its depth, Hongyancun Station is not as dark or damp as many might imagine. Recently opened in January 2022, the station stands out for its futuristic design and comfort. This is in stark contrast to older subway systems, such as London's, which began operating in 1863 with steam locomotives.
The station is an example of how modern engineering can transform even the most complex challenges into functional masterpieces.
Hongyancun's record-breaking depth quickly attracted tourists from all over the world. Many people visit the metro station not just to ride it, but to document the experience of descending the equivalent of 40 stories underground. The combination of mountainous landscapes and cutting-edge engineering makes this station a unique destination.
