The Bus Stop tells the story of eight characters, each representing different elements of Chinese society, all of whom have hopes of the future which can only be realized by moving forward into the city.   However, their means of transport, a public bus, repeatedly passes by without stopping.  Failing to take initiative, the characters remain at the bus stop, passing the time by complaining about the ills of society and their own lack of accomplishment, becoming more desperate and disillusioned.