Chongqing - Chongqing Railway Station, a historic transport hub in the heart of the city, was officially demolished on May 25, marking the end of an era. Opened in 1952 as part of China's first railway connecting Chengdu and Chongqing, the station was once the busiest center of the city. After upgrades and expansions in 1992, it thrived with passenger traffic before gradually declining in the 2010s as newer stations took over. Now, the area is set for large-scale redevelopment, transforming into a modern transportation and commercial hub.

10 mins before the old Chongqing Railway Station was demolished (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

Zhao Meng, Director of Caiyuanba Street Administrative Office, highlighted the station's unique urban location and its future potential. The new design will feature underground rail platforms with a city plaza above, creating a public space for residents while serving as an economic driver for Yuzhong District and Chongqing as a whole.

For locals like Liu Ping, a local restaurant owner, the station holds deep personal memories. Arriving in 1985 as a dishwasher, he built his life here, learning to cook noodles, meeting his wife, raising his son, and eventually owning a business. "I will never forget this place," Liu said emotionally. "It's not just a transport hub but a window to our city, a part of Chongqing's collective memory." Though saddened by its closure, he looks forward to the renewed area, hoping it will bring better opportunities while preserving its legacy.

The redevelopment, expected to take three years, promises a modern complex with shopping malls, riverside views, and improved connectivity, ensuring the site remains a vital landmark for future generations.