In a stunning engineering feat that defies gravity and tradition, China has unveiled the most extreme metro system in the world, transforming the chaotic urban landscape of Chongqing into a marvel of modern transportation. Imagine commuting on a rollercoaster, soaring over mountains, weaving through buildings, and plunging into the depths of the earth—all part of the daily grind for the city’s 32 million residents.

Chongqing, a sprawling metropolis built on steep hills and deep valleys, faced a transportation crisis with gridlocked roads and overwhelmed public transport. In response, the Chongqing metro system was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧. Opened in 2005, it has rapidly grown into the sixth longest metro in the world, stretching over 560 kilometers. But it’s not just about length; it’s the unique challenges of this 8D city that make the metro system extraordinary.

The Chongqing metro features record-breaking stations, including the highest metro station in the world, perched nearly 50 meters above ground, and the deepest, Hongyancun station, which plunges over 100 meters underground. Passengers face an eight-minute escalator ride just to reach the platform, where they can feel their ears pop with the pressure change.

Remarkably, parts of the metro run through residential buildings, with trains gliding through the eighth and ninth floors. This innovative approach was made possible by using lightweight monorail technology, which required fewer supports and allowed for tight turns on steep slopes. Specialized machinery was developed to navigate the city’s narrow streets, laying tracks in a way that traditional construction methods could not accommodate.

As the Chongqing metro continues to expand, with plans for 23 lines by 2035, it stands as a testament to human ingenuity in the face of geographical challenges. This breathtaking transit system not only alleviates congestion but redefines what urban transportation can be—an exhilarating ride through the heart of one of China’s most dynamic cities.