All 489 metro stations in Chengdu have been opened as free cooling and rest areas for residents and tourists amid this summer’s high temperatures. The network in the capital of Sichuan Province is considered the fourth-longest metro network in the world, with over 700 km of lines.
The metro in Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan Province, has opened all 489 stations on the network as free cooling and rest areas for the public.
The measure comes amid a heat wave, according to the Chengdu Metro operator. The cooling areas have been set up in the stations’ common areas and are available to both residents and tourists.
Chengdu’s metro network is no ordinary one. The city’s metro is considered the fourth-longest metro network in the world, with over 700 km of lines, and the large number of stations makes this initiative a large-scale urban program.
The operator says the rest areas were established based on each station’s layout, passenger flows, and congestion levels. The goal is for people to be able to escape the heat without disrupting normal station operations.
Chengdu first introduced such spaces in 2022, with the initiative being presented at the time as a first for urban rail transit in China.
Air-Conditioned Rooms at Above-Ground Stations
At above-ground stations, where platforms are directly exposed to the sun and temperatures can be higher, air-conditioned waiting rooms with seating have been set up where space allows.
This measure is intended especially for passengers who must wait for their trains on extremely hot days.
Trains, in turn, offer temperature-controlled railcars. Passengers can choose from different cooling levels—ranging from high to medium to low—depending on their preferences and sensitivity to air conditioning.
Stations Transformed into Rest and Work Spaces
At major transportation hubs, cooling areas go beyond just a few chairs and air conditioning.
Stations such as Incubation Park and Century City, as well as the hubs at Chengdu South and Chengdu East stations, offer reading areas, temporary workspaces, and rest facilities for those who need to stay at the station longer.
According to operational data cited by the operator, typical stations receive an average of about 100 visitors per day in these spaces. At the busiest hubs, the number can reach several hundred.
Metro as a Refuge on Hot Days
The Chengdu metro operator says it will adjust summer services based on weather forecasts and public feedback.
This initiative demonstrates how metro stations in large cities can become more than just access points to public transportation. During heat waves, they can also serve as air-conditioned refuges for residents, tourists, and people in transit.
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