<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-30/New-section-of-Sichuan-Qinghai-Railway-in-SW-China-opens-1wu4RHOtPpe/img/8ff9020cfdf0416493ff0ac8fd8ca079/8ff9020cfdf0416493ff0ac8fd8ca079.png' alt='A high-speed train runs on the newly constructed Zhenjiangguan to Huangshengguan section of the Sichuan-Qinghai Railway during a trial operation, Aba Zang and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, August 27, 2024. /CFP'
A new section of the Sichuan-Qinghai Railway in western China officially opened on Friday, cutting travel time between Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, and Jiuzhaigou, a popular scenic destination known for its colorful lakes and waterfalls, to under two hours.
The new section, stretching from Zhenjiangguan to Huangshengguan, saw its first train, C5818, depart from Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station at 10:36 a.m., marking a new era of rapid connectivity to major tourist destinations like Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan Province.
Previously, the journey from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by car took over seven hours, but the new high-speed rail route now completes the trip in just 99 minutes, offering significant convenience for travelers and boosting tourism and related industries along the route.
The newly opened section, spanning 69 kilometers, is located in the county of Songpan in Aba Zang and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Sichuan Province. It includes four stations: Zhenjiangguan Railway Station, Songpan Railway Station, Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station and Huangshengguan Railway Station.
The Sichuan-Qinghai Railway is a crucial part of China’s “Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal” high-speed railway network, connecting Lanzhou in Gansu Province, Xining in Qinghai Province, and Guangzhou in Guangdong Province.
The opening of this section is expected to greatly improve travel for people of all ethnic groups along the route, boost regional economic and social development and promote high-quality growth in China’s western region.
