Nanjing South Railway Station South Plaza Set to Open With Coffee Shops

Nanjing is gearing up for a major infrastructure upgrade that will reshape how travellers experience one of China’s busiest train stations. The long-awaited South Plaza at Nanjing South Railway Station broke ground yesterday, promising more than just a place to catch your next ride—it’s set to become a dynamic urban node complete with book bars, cafés, and shops. The two-year project is designed to elevate both function and experience for millions of passengers yearly.

The project includes over 126,000 square feet of dedicated commercial space, including planned book bars and coffee shops across its multi-level layout. Construction is scheduled for completion in two years, with full integration into the station’s transport infrastructure.

What Is the Nanjing South Railway Station South Plaza?

Located in the heart of Nanjing’s southern new city district, the Nanjing South Railway Station South Plaza spans 133 acres—approximately 133 Chinese mu—and will deliver around 162,000 square metres (over 1.7 million sq ft) of floor space. The complex is being developed in three distinct phases with a total investment of about 1.84 billion yuan. Its goal is to serve as a key transport interchange while also providing essential commercial and lifestyle amenities for commuters and visitors alike.

How Will the Plaza Be Structured?

The development is divided vertically into above-ground and underground components, each serving multiple roles:

• The above-ground portion will feature multi-storey buildings centred around a large public plaza. On the east and west sides, there will be five-storey hotels and four-storey commercial buildings. These will house amenities such as leisure book bars, cafés, and shopping outlets.
• The underground levels include two full floors dedicated to commercial spaces, dining venues, and parking. Specifically, there will be approximately 759 vehicle parking spaces and a non-motorised vehicle parking area covering 1,874 square metres (about 20,160 sq ft).

What Are the Phases of Construction?

The project is unfolding in a carefully planned three-phase sequence:

• Phase One covers the area directly beneath the south drop-off platform. This initial stage involves ground surfacing work spanning roughly 19,000 square metres (about 204,500 sq ft).
• Phase Two focuses on the central zone of the plaza. It includes a landscaped ground-level gathering space and two underground commercial floors, with a total built-up area of about 36,000 square metres (over 387,000 sq ft).
• Phase Three, the largest, is situated on the plaza’s eastern and western flanks. Above ground, it will consist of buildings approximately 40 metres tall, while underground, it adds another two levels of retail space. This phase alone accounts for around 126,000 square metres (over 1.35 million sq ft) of space.

Why Is This Development Important?

Beyond easing foot traffic and improving passenger flow, the South Plaza is intended to act as a catalyst for economic growth in the surrounding area. By integrating transport functionality with retail and leisure offerings, it aims to enhance the overall appeal of Nanjing South Railway Station and invigorate the urban fabric of the southern new city district. The plaza is also a critical piece of a broader plan to link the station area with the nearby Qinhuai River scenic belt, reinforcing Nanjing’s identity as an international cultural and green city. Ultimately, this development is positioned to help transform the region into a leading international business hub, earning the title “Hub of East China, Smart New City.”

Who Is Building the Nanjing South Plaza?

The owner of the Nanjing South Railway Station South Plaza project is Nanjing Railway Construction Investment Co., Ltd., and the main contractor is China Construction First Building (Group) Corporation Limited. Both organisations have publicly committed to delivering a landmark-quality project. Their shared objective is to establish the plaza as a flagship development—a model of urban design and infrastructure that embodies Nanjing’s ambitions as a modern metropolis. The completed site will integrate three core functions: a high-capacity transport hub, an economic engine, and a prominent city gateway.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did construction start on the Nanjing South Railway Station South Plaza?

Construction began on the morning of the announced date, with an official groundbreaking ceremony attended by Vice Mayor Lu Bing. The project officially commenced its two-year development timeline at that time.

How big is the Nanjing South Railway Station South Plaza?

The plaza covers 133 acres (Chinese mu) and includes approximately 162,000 square metres (over 1.7 million sq ft) of total floor space. It will be developed across three phases with a combined built area of around 162,000 sq m.

What kinds of commercial facilities will be in the plaza?

The development will include book bars, cafés, shops, hotels, and restaurants. There will also be over 750 car parking spaces and a 1,874 sq m area for non-motorised vehicles, ensuring comprehensive amenities for travellers and visitors.

What are the three construction phases of the plaza?

Phase One involves ground surfacing beneath the south drop-off platform (approx. 19,000 sq m). Phase Two covers the central plaza area with landscaping and two underground commercial floors (approx. 36,000 sq m). Phase Three includes tall above-ground buildings and two more underground retail floors along the plaza’s sides (approx. 126,000 sq m).

Will there be places to get coffee at Nanjing South Railway Station South Plaza?

Yes, the commercial areas will include planned cafés and book bars. While specific operators aren’t named yet, the design accommodates coffee retail as part of the lifestyle and retail mix.

Who is developing and constructing the South Plaza project?

The project is owned by Nanjing Railway Construction Investment Co., Ltd. and is being built by China Construction First Building (Group) Corporation Limited. Both companies aim to make it a model urban development for Nanjing.

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