In 2008, China was building metro stations in the middle of nowhere. In 2026, we've realized how naive we were

China has been building metro stations and lines ahead of urban demand, leaving some areas looking empty at first.

Cases such as Chongqing and Lanzhou New Area show this is often part of a long-term urban planning strategy.

The approach can help spur urbanization and raise land values, but it also risks costly overinvestment and local-government debt.

Projects may remain underused for years before population growth and development catch up.