High-speed rail (HSR) in China is not only a symbol of the country’s economic progress but also a vital part of modern transportation. It has greatly improved the travel experience for countless people. However, many people wonder why high-speed train stations are built so tall, considering the average height in China is under 1.7 meters. For example, Nanjing South Station reaches 59.96 meters in height, and Wuhan Station stands at 58 meters. Some may question if this is a waste or just for show.
In reality, the towering heights of these stations are far from unnecessary. They are the result of careful planning to avoid past mistakes and to meet the demands of modern travel. In the 1990s, as China's economy rapidly grew, outdated transportation systems were holding back further development. The government decided to invest in high-speed rail to improve transportation capacity, and in just 30 years, China has become a global leader in high-speed rail, with the longest network in the world.
As more high-speed rail lines were built, new stations also sprang up. Unlike traditional, smaller train stations, these new high-speed stations are vast in size and have unusual heights. Wuhan and Nanjing South stations once vied for the title of the largest, with Nanjing's height nearing 60 meters. The tallest station now under construction is Shanghai East Station, which is expected to surpass the others when finished.
The reason behind such high construction goes beyond aesthetics or status. Historically, China's train stations were small and overcrowded, leading to tragic accidents. In 2008, during the Spring Festival rush, a student was killed at Wuhu Station when the crowd pushed him onto the tracks, and at Guangzhou Station, 40,000 people were trapped for days. These incidents highlighted the need for larger, safer stations.
In response, modern high-speed rail stations were designed not only to be larger but also taller, increasing their capacity. For example, Nanjing South Station and Guangzhou South Station are five stories tall, making it possible to handle more passengers while using the space efficiently. This vertical expansion is necessary to avoid wasting valuable land and reducing construction costs.
Another reason for the increased height is safety and comfort. High-speed trains travel at speeds over 200 km/h, and as they approach stations, they generate strong air currents that can be managed better in a taller station. Additionally, taller stations allow for better natural lighting, which reduces the need for artificial lighting and cuts energy costs. More height also improves airflow, preventing stuffiness in such crowded spaces.
Apart from practicality, high-speed stations are often designed with green features in mind, such as solar power and rainwater collection, which benefit from the additional height. Nanjing South Station, for instance, has a grand design reflecting the city’s historic identity, while West Beijing Station incorporates solar energy. The aesthetics also play a role in the station's architectural value.
From an economic standpoint, taller stations are more cost-efficient. Due to the limited funding for high-speed rail construction, stations are built on cheaper land outside city centers, where land prices are lower. The large, tall stations can accommodate retail spaces, creating revenue streams and benefiting local economies by transforming surrounding areas into high-speed rail hubs.
Additionally, high-speed stations play a role in national defense, as their large and sturdy structures could be used for civil defense in emergencies. They also serve as powerful symbols of China’s growing influence on the world stage. As China's high-speed rail stations continue to break records, the former titleholder, New York’s Grand Central Station, is no longer the largest, and China now has several of the world’s top stations, boosting national pride.
In conclusion, the towering heights of China’s high-speed rail stations are not a waste but a necessity. They serve both practical and symbolic purposes, contributing to safety, efficiency, sustainability, and national identity.
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