Chongqing - "Embracing the high-speed rail era is a key task entrusted to Qianjiang District by Chongqing's Municipal Party and government, offering a major opportunity for the district to develop into a regional center," said Luo Cheng, Secretary of the Communist Party of China Qianjiang District Committee, at a press conference on October 30.
The city view of Chongqing's Qianjiang District. (Photo/Qianjiang District)
Promoting regional connectivity
The opening of the Chongqing-Qianjiang segment of the Chongqing-Xiamen High-Speed Railway will end the region's historical absence of high-speed rail access, greatly reducing travel times to nearby provinces and cities. This new network will enable residents to reach Chongqing in 50 minutes, Chengdu and Guiyang in two hours, and Changsha and Wuhan in three hours.
The region's growing connectivity is evident in the expansion of the Qianjiang Railway Freight Yard, where rows of standardized containers are neatly arranged, and towering gantry cranes efficiently load goods onto trains. With the recent completion of the bulk cargo yard, this facility has become a central hub for regional logistics.
From January to August this year, the freight yard processed 529,000 tons of cargo, greatly enhancing regional freight flow. "The container zone marks Qianjiang's integration into the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, offering improved logistics services for local businesses," noted yard manager Zhang. He added that the combined high-speed and freight rail networks strongly support connectivity between Qianjiang and neighboring areas.
Building a multi-layered transportation system
The launch of the high-speed rail will further optimize Qianjiang's transportation layout. In addition to advancing high-speed rail projects, the district is actively promoting a comprehensive transport network that integrates road, rail, and air travel.
Alongside accelerating high-speed rail developments, Qianjiang District vigorously promotes a comprehensive transport network that includes road, rail, and air travel. (Photo/Yang Min)
As a key part of Chongqing's airport framework, Qianjiang Wuling Mountain Airport has seen substantial upgrades in recent years, resulting in steady growth in passenger traffic. "We now operate 13 routes with increasing flight frequencies and passenger volumes," the airport manager noted.
The enhancement of road transport networks is another vital pillar of Qianjiang's multi-dimensional transport system. To create a seamless road transportation network, the district has built and upgraded several expressways, culminating in a comprehensive transport layout that includes one branch airport, three railways, and four expressways.
Driving industry and tourism development
Transportation improvements not only facilitate residents' travel but also present opportunities for industry and tourism development in Qianjiang. Upgrading transport networks, especially the synergy between high-speed rail and air travel, provides a solid foundation for industrial clustering and expanding industrial chains.
Zhang Zhifeng, a spokesperson for the Qianjiang District government, said, "We aim to establish a multimodal transport demonstration zone in southeastern Chongqing, positioning Qianjiang as a logistics hub for goods and a center for railway freight, with a target of handling 4.8 million tons of freight annually." He noted that Qianjiang is rapidly developing a modern manufacturing cluster led by industries such as new materials. As the transportation hub develops, he added, "Qianjiang will continue to refine its industrial chain, driving high-quality economic growth."
In terms of tourism, the new high-speed rail connection is expected to attract more visitors to Qianjiang's rich natural landscapes and cultural offerings. The district government plans to create a tourism matrix centered around the Qianjiang Grand Canyon and Cretaceous Dinosaur Valley. By enhancing multi-layered transport options, Qianjiang aims to draw more tourists to experience the city's natural beauty and unique culture.
Through the integration of transportation, industry, and tourism, Qianjiang is steadily becoming a new regional hub characterized by convenient transport, diverse industries, and vibrant tourism. Going forward, Qianjiang will continue optimizing its infrastructure, further enhancing transport convenience and service levels while promoting coordinated regional economic development.