Inspired by Plum Blossom or Giant Sanitary Pad? China Train Station Sparks Debate
NANJING NORTH RAILWAY STATION – The design of the train station in China has sparked debate on social media, with people questioning whether it resembles a giant sanitary pad rather than the intended inspiration of the plum blossom.
The station, set to start construction in 2024, draws its design from the plum blossom, a symbol deeply rooted in Nanjing’s culture. However, despite its cultural significance, many online users ridiculed its appearance when seeing aerial views shared online.
Criticism of the station’s design spread quickly on social media platforms, with numerous users expressing surprise and disbelief at its supposed resemblance to a sanitary pad. One user commented that it was embarrassing to compare the station to a plum blossom, given its striking similarity to a sanitary pad. Others wondered why the architects behind the design did not notice the resemblance and how such a design was approved.
Despite the backlash, reports from Nanjing Daily, a government-owned newspaper, confirmed that the initial design of the station had received approval from the local government of Jiangsu Province and the China State Railway Group. Construction of the railway station, estimated to cost 20 billion Chinese yuan or approximately PHP158 billion, is scheduled to begin before the middle of 2024. The station’s design incorporates traditional Chinese architectural elements such as the Chinese Order, wooden ceilings, and intricate window patterns, aiming to blend modernity with cultural heritage.
The Nanjing North Railway Station is not the only architectural marvel in China to attract attention for its unconventional design. The CCTV Headquarters building in Beijing also faced criticism from online users, who compared its structure to giant cycling shorts. Beijing is well-known for its unique architecture, with structures like the bird’s nest-inspired stadium built for the 2008 Olympics.
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