China opens 4 high-speed railway, broadening nationwide network

Vocalists from Ankang City carry out on G9997, the very first train of the Xi’an -Ankang high-speed train, in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Sept. 28, 2026. The Xi’an -Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line.( Xinhua/Shao Rui)

BEIJING, Sept. 28 (Xinhua)– China, home to the world’s biggest high-speed rail network, opened 4 significant high-speed train areas to traffic on Monday, enhancing transportation links throughout numerous areas.

The brand-new areas link Xiong’ an in Hebei Province with Shangqiu in Henan Province, Xi’an with Ankang in Shaanxi Province, Yichang with Xingshan in Hubei Province, and Harbin with Yichun in Heilongjiang Province.

Covering northern, northwestern, main and northeastern China, the brand-new lines will help with travel for homeowners, enhance local connection and support financial advancement. ■

Train personnel position for a picture with the train G3935, which will travel through the Xiong’ an-Shangqiu high-speed train, at Beijing West Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong’ an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong’ an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway. (Xinhua/Yin Gang)

Builders posture for an image with the train G3935, which will travel through the Xiong’ an-Shangqiu high-speed train, at Beijing West Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong’ an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong ‘an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway. (Xinhua/Yin Gang)

Manufacturers, train personnel and travelers position for an image on a train running along the Xiong’ an-Shangqiu high-speed train on Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong ‘an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong ‘an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway.( Photo by Wang Guansheng/Xinhua )[19659011]

An attendant engages with travelers on a train running along the Xiong’ an-Shangqiu high-speed train on Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong’ an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong’ an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway. (Xinhua/Yin Gang)

A manufacturer (L) presents for an image with a traveler to commemorate the operation of the Xiong’ an-Shangqiu high-speed train at Xiong’ an Railway Station in Xiong’ an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, on Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong’ an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong ‘an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway.( Photo by Wang Guansheng/Xinhua)

Guests reveal the celebratory cards for the inaugural high-speed train G3946, which ranges from Shangqiu to Xiong’ an, Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong’ an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong’ an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua)

Train personnel and travelers posture for a group image at the Shangqiu Railway Station in Shangqiu City, main China’s Henan Province, Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong ‘an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong ‘an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway. (Photo by Lu Jian/Xinhua)

Travelers stroll to board the high-speed train G9216 at the Heze East Railway Station in Heze City, east China’s Shandong Province, Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong ‘an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong ‘an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Chief conductor of the high-speed train G3946 bases on task at the Shangqiu Railway Station in Shangqiu City, main China’s Henan Province, Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong’ an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong’ an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway. (Photo by Lu Jian/Xinhua)

A high-speed train takes out of the Shangqiu Railway Station in Shangqiu City, main China’s Henan Province, Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong’ an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong’ an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway.( Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua)

Attendants are on responsibility aboard the high-speed train G9216 at the Heze East Railway Station in Heze City, east China’s Shandong Province, Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong’ an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong’ an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway.( Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

An aerial drone image reveals the high-speed train G3950 taking out of the Heze East Railway Station in Heze City, east China’s Shandong Province, Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong’ an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong’ an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

A high-speed train, which runs along the Xiong ‘an-Shangqiu high-speed train, passes a grand bridge over the Yellow River on Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong’ an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong’ an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway. (China Railway Jinan Group/Handout by means of Xinhua)

The high-speed train G9216 draws in the Heze East Railway Station in Heze City, east China’s Shandong Province, Sept. 28, 2026. A brand-new train linking Xiong’ an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province with Shangqiu in main China’s Henan Province began operation on Monday. The train travel time in between Xiong’ an and Shangqiu was reduced to 2 hours and 27 minutes. The 552-kilometer brand-new line belongs of China’s artery of the Beijing-Hong Kong Railway. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Train attendants connect with guests on G9997, the very first train of the Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train, in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Sept. 28, 2026. The Xi’an -Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line.( Xinhua/Shao Rui)

A traveler shows cultural and innovative items on G9997, the very first train of the Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train, in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Sept. 28, 2026. The Xi’an -Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line.( Xinhua/Shao Rui)

Train attendants are seen next to G9997, the very first train of the Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train, at Xi’an East Railway Station in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Sept. 28, 2026. The Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

Train attendants wave hands next to G9997, the very first train of the Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train, at Xi’an East Railway Station in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Sept. 28, 2026. The Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line.( Xinhua/Li Yibo)

Train attendants are seen next to G9997, the very first train of the Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train, at Xi’an East Railway Station in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Sept. 28, 2026. The Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

Travelers travel through ticket gates to board G9997, the very first train of the Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train, at Xi’an East Railway Station in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Sept. 28, 2026. The Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

An aerial drone picture handled Sept. 22, 2026 reveals a view of the newly-built Niubeiliang Station along the Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. The Xi’an -Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

An aerial drone picture handled Sept. 22, 2026 reveals a view of the newly-built Zhashui West Station along the Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. The Xi’an -Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line.( Xinhua/Shao Rui )

An aerial drone picture handled Sept. 22, 2026 reveals a view of the newly-built Zhen’ an West Station along the Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. The Xi’an- Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

This image handled Sept. 22, 2026 reveals a view of the newly-built Ankang West Station along the Xi’an – Ankang high-speed train in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. The Xi’an – Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

An aerial drone image reveals G9997, the very first train of the Xi’an-Ankang high-speed train, coming to Ankang West Station in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Sept. 28, 2026. The Xi’an-Ankang high-speed train was formally taken into operation on Monday, cutting the train travel time in between Xi’an and Ankang to less than one hour. Covering about 171 kilometers and with a style speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the train goes through the cities of Xi’an, Shangluo and Ankang in Shaanxi Province and has 5 stations along the line. (Photo by Xiong Guodong/Xinhua)

The very first train of Yichang-Xingshan high-speed train, G6888, leaves from Xingshan Railway Station in Xingshan County, main China’s Hubei Province, Sept. 28, 2026. The 101-kilometer Yichang-Xingshan high-speed train formally went into service on Monday. The train, with a created speed of 350 kilometers per hour, is a vital part of the nation’s high-speed rail network. (Photo by Zou Yuanjing/Xinhua )

The very first train of Yichang-Xingshan high-speed train, G6888, is visualized ahead of its departure from Xingshan Railway Station in Xingshan County, main China’s Hubei Province, Sept. 28, 2026. The 101-kilometer Yichang-Xingshan high-speed train formally went into service on Monday. The train, with a developed speed of 350 kilometers per hour, is a vital part of the nation’s high-speed rail network. (Xinhua/Wang Zichen)

The very first train of Yichang-Xingshan high-speed train, G6888, is imagined ahead of its departure from Xingshan Railway Station in Xingshan County, main China’s Hubei Province, Sept. 28, 2026. The 101-kilometer Yichang-Xingshan high-speed train formally went into service on Monday. The train, with a created speed of 350 kilometers per hour, is a vital part of the nation’s high-speed rail network. (Xinhua/Wang Zichen)

Employee and travelers position for images in front of the Yichunxi Railway Station of the Harbin-Yichun high-speed train in Yichun, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 28, 2026. China’s northern most high-speed train, going through an area of alternate permafrost in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, formally got in service on Monday.

With a developed speed of 250 kilometers per hour, the 318-km line slashed travel time in between Harbin and Yichun from about 7 hours to simply 2 hours. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Travelers positions for selfies in front of the Yichunxi Railway Station of the Harbin-Yichun high-speed train in Yichun, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 28, 2026. China’s northern most high-speed train, going through an area of alternate permafrost in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, formally got in service on Monday.

With a developed speed of 250 kilometers per hour, the 318-km line slashed travel time in between Harbin and Yichun from about 7 hours to simply 2 hours.(Photo by Yuan Yong/Xinhua)

A traveler takes images on the very first train of the Harbin-Yichun high-speed train in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 28, 2026. China’s northern most high-speed train, going through an area of alternate permafrost in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, formally got in service on Monday.

With a created speed of 250 kilometers per hour, the 318-km line slashed travel time in between Harbin and Yichun from about 7 hours to simply 2 hours. (Xinhua/Na Yuqi)