The Report on Commuting in Major Chinese Cities in 2025 recently released by China Academy of Urban Planning & Design indicates that—

 

 

In Chengdu, the proportion of commuters within an 800-meter distance of the rail transit system has reached 35%, an increase of 1% from the previous year, equivalent to tens of millions of new convenient rail-based commutes. This increase in the proportion puts Chengdu second among all Chinese cities.

 

 

Moreover, as the rail transit network continues to expand, the share of green travel in Chengdu has reached 77.6%, the highest among all Chinese cities. The optimized commuting patterns have driven overall efficiency gains—71% of commutes in Chengdu are completed within 45 minutes, and the average commute time remains stable at 38 minutes, a figure lower than the average of peer cities.

 

 

The workplace-residence separation has reduced by 0.1 kilometers to approximately 5.3 kilometers. The average one-way commute has shortened by 0.2 kilometers, while the ratio of “happy commutes” (one-way commutes within 45 minutes) within five kilometers has increased by two percentage points to 44%.

 

 

This change is closely connected to the comprehensive transit-oriented development (TOD). Currently, Chengdu has prepared comprehensive TOD plans for 695 rail transit stations and put 24 TOD projects in operation. The total developed area has exceeded 11 million square meters, which supports 25,000 units of affordable rental housing. Within a walkable radius, commercial, eco-friendly, and residential spaces are increasingly synergizing with each other. Living near work is gradually turning into a daily reality for residents.

 

 

The speed of intercity commutes (between Chengdu’s central urban area and the outer districts/counties of neighboring cities) has reached 21 kilometers per hour, while the speed of commutes between Chengdu’s outer districts/counties and those of neighboring cities has reached 18 kilometers per hour. Chengdu ranks first in both indicators.

 

 

The improved speed has enhanced industrial collaboration within city clusters and optimized industrial specialization and transport connectivity between city clusters.

 

Edited by Zhang Yuanlin

Source: Home in Chengdu