As urbanization accelerates, Chinese cities are embracing the underground to accommodate rapid growth and enhance livability. In 2021, the Xi'an Happiness Forest Belt Project launched, marking the world's largest comprehensive underground space initiative with an investment of over 24 billion yuan ($3.3 billion) and 920,000 square meters of development.
By the end of 2022, Chinese cities had amassed a cumulative underground floor area of 2.962 billion square meters. Additionally, urban rail transit lines surpassed 10,000 kilometers by the end of 2023, showcasing the extensive integration of subterranean infrastructure.
Underground spaces are being utilized across transportation, municipal services, and commercial sectors, optimizing urban layouts and mitigating common city issues. For instance, the Hangzhou Miduqiao underground intelligent automated multi-level garage spans 19 floors and 34.20 meters deep, offering 112 parking slots while saving over 80% of land resources compared to traditional garages.
Logistics challenges in city cores are addressed through underground warehousing systems, such as the comprehensive transportation network in Xiong'an New Area's Rongdong District. This system features a two-floor structure: the upper floor accommodates autonomous logistics vehicles, while the lower floor houses essential municipal pipelines.
To combat urban flooding from extreme rainfall, deep tunnel drainage systems like Wuhan's Dadonghu Deep Tunnel Project are being developed. With an average burial depth exceeding 30 meters and a total length of 17.5 kilometers, it stands as China's largest deep tunnel for wastewater transmission.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including unclear ownership rights, the need for advanced engineering technologies, and ensuring the safety and maintenance of underground spaces. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai are leading the way by enacting regulations that encourage social investment in underground development.
Engineering firms are making strides in technology, with innovations such as the Shaft Excavation Cutting Machine by China State Construction and the 'Dream' shaft roadheader by CRCC, both capable of constructing vertical shafts over 100 meters deep.
Safety remains a priority, as underground spaces must ensure effective evacuation and rescue operations during disasters. Comprehensive geological surveys are being promoted to enhance the safe development and utilization of these spaces.
Underground space is a strategic resource for China, crucial for alleviating urban challenges, supporting green development, and enhancing overall city quality. The continued rational development of underground areas is set to drive high-quality urban growth and renewal.
Reference(s):
Exploring diverse and composite utilization of underground space
cgtn.com
