China built “ghost” subway stations in empty fields before residents arrived, but years later new homes, roads and businesses began growing around them

• PC: AI GeneratedFor years, China’s empty subway stations became some of the internet’s favourite examples of “ghost cities” and questionable urban planning.
• Images of polished platforms, escalators and station entrances surrounded by fields appeared to show infrastructure built far ahead of demand.
• Among the most famous examples was Caojiawan Station in Chongqing, which seemed to stand alone in the middle of nowhere after opening in 2015.