By love-89.com On October 10th, I had the chance to interview representatives from the China Railway Shanghai Group regarding the remarkable advancements in constructing Suzhou South Station, the nation’s first hexagonal three-dimensional transportation hub. The unveiling of the station’s exterior represents a significant milestone, establishing a solid foundation for its operational future.
Located in Li Li Town within the Wujiang District of Suzhou, this station is a crucial intersection for the Shanghai-Suzhou-Hangzhou High-Speed Railway and the Nantong-Ningbo High-Speed Railway. The station’s interior features a multi-level design: the second basement level will accommodate intercity rail and public transport platforms, the first basement will host urban corridors, and the ground level will provide parking facilities. Above that, the second floor will serve as the ticketing area, while the third floor will be a waiting area for high-speed rail passengers. Upon completion, Suzhou South Station will function as a comprehensive transport hub integrating high-speed rail, intercity rail, urban metros, waterborne transport, and motor vehicle parking.
The station’s roof boasts an irregular multi-tier structure, and the project team from China Railway Construction Group has utilized electronic sensing technology for precise installation, resulting in a sleek and well-proportioned architectural facade. Covering an area of approximately 40,000 square meters, Suzhou South Station is built with the complex and diverse structural forms typical of modern architecture, making it one of the most intricate station designs in the country. Its distinctive hexagonal shape not only captures the essence of Jiangnan culture but also symbolizes a harmonious blend of historical and contemporary aesthetics.
To achieve a smooth and natural exterior, the project team has finely tuned the facade design using what they call the “Three Coordinated Techniques”: customized framework, modular panel assembly, and scientific on-site installation. The installation of glass curtain walls has been carefully controlled to within a 4-millimeter margin of error, marrying modern craftsmanship with inspirations drawn from Jiangnan’s waterways.
As it stands, Suzhou South Station is in the final stages of decorative finishing. Once it opens its doors, it will bridge the connectivity gap in high-speed rail travel between southern Suzhou and nearby cities. This station is set to enhance the city’s infrastructure, making travel easier for residents, and play a vital role in the high-quality integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region.