In the bustling Chinese city of Chongqing, a man’s daily commute has gone viral, offering a glimpse of just how extreme urban living can get. Known for its labyrinthine layout and steep hills, Chongqing is no stranger to winding roads and vertical living spaces. But this man’s time-lapse video has captured the attention of millions on social media, revealing just how far down he has to travel every day to get to work.
A Descent into the Depths
The video, shared on the social media platform X, begins with the man yawning and preparing for work. He exits his apartment and begins his descent, immediately facing an array of stairs. As he navigates the tangled streets of his residential area, the video shows him passing bustling markets, residential buildings, and crowded streets before continuing downward.
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Man shows how far down he has to go to get to work in Chongqing, China pic.twitter.com/GBipGKVeoo
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) December 11, 2024
After several minutes of descending, he finally reaches the subway station, but his journey isn’t over yet. He travels down another six flights of stairs, adding to the intensity of his daily trek. Only after navigating several more residential blocks does he finally reach his destination.
The Viral Reaction
Since the video was shared, it has quickly gone viral, with over 2.3 million views in just two days. Users were both shocked and amused by the man’s exhausting journey, with some suggesting that the arduous trek might not be worth the job. One comment humorously stated, “Bro, just quit the job; it’s not worth it… You will look 90 when you’re actually 50 at this rate.”
Others pointed out the grueling walk home, saying, “His trip home has to be the worst part.” One user even joked that it felt like the man was descending “to the earth’s core.”
Understanding the City’s Layout
A user familiar with Chongqing’s unique geography offered some insight into why commuting in the city is so extreme. The city was originally built along multiple sheer cliffs, leading to its winding streets and complex urban layout. Many residents find walking to be the most efficient mode of transport, especially in the absence of direct routes for cars or buses. The city’s subway system, however, has been rapidly developed to cater to growing transportation needs, and its integration into residential areas is one of Chongqing’s most famous urban planning features.
The Struggle of City Life
While the video has gone viral for its humour and shock value, it also sheds light on the real challenges faced by people living in cities with unique, steep terrains like Chongqing. The man’s daily commute serves as a reminder of how infrastructure and geography shape urban life, influencing everything from transportation to the very way people live and work.
In the end, while his commute may seem extreme, it’s just one example of the unique lifestyle choices and struggles faced by city dwellers in rapidly developing areas around the world.
