One Month On, Chongqing East-Qianjiang High-Speed Rail Sparks Economic and Tourism Boom

Chongqing -The Chongqing East–Qianjiang section of the Chongqing-Xiamen High-Speed Railway marked its first month of service on July 27, quickly emerging as a catalyst for economic and cultural development in southeastern Chongqing. Since its launch, the line has averaged more than 43,000 passenger journeys per day, connecting cities and communities along its route at unprecedented speed.

A New “One-Hour Economic Circle”

With the opening of this new segment, the travel time between Qianjiang District and downtown Chongqing has been slashed to just about an hour. Residents in Qianjiang can now reach Chengdu or Changsha in roughly three hours, effectively pulling Qianjiang and southeastern Chongqing into the economic orbit of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.

"This high-speed rail isn't just a faster way to travel—it’s a powerful driver of integration for the entire region," said a China Railway Chengdu Group representative. "It brings the cities along the upper Yangtze River closer, enhances the twin-city economic zone of Chengdu and Chongqing, and links local economies with the booming clusters of Changsha, Zhuzhou, Xiangtan, and the Western Taiwan Straits Economic Zone."

For local residents, the railway has changed daily life. Commuters can now easily travel to downtown Chongqing for work, school, or medical care and return home the same evening. "It takes only an hour to get from Chongqing East Station to Qianjiang. I can have breakfast in Chongqing and enjoy Qianjiang’s famous chicken giblets for lunch," said Zheng Yu, a recent high school graduate.

To support the growing demand, the railway authority has enhanced services across stations. Chongqing East Station features a massive glass dome and integrated air conditioning for passenger comfort, while stations in Pengshui and Wulong have introduced smart service systems and streamlined security for a smoother journey.

Boosting Local Industries and Tourism

The new high-speed rail is not just about convenience; it unlocks new industry and tourism opportunities along the route. Qianjiang and its neighbors, home to distinctive agricultural products like mushrooms and tomatoes, are leveraging the railway to expand their reach into new markets. Local food specialties, such as Qianjiang’s chicken giblets, Pengshui sweet potato noodles, and Wulong dried bean curd, are finding new fans from across the region.

Tourism has also surged. The route links two UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites and numerous top-rated scenic spots, from the stunning Karst formations of Wulong to the Jinfo Mountain in Nanchuan District. Weekend, family, and graduation trips have soared, supported by local governments offering discounts and ticket packages to encourage high-speed rail travelers.

Local authorities have launched “high-speed rail + tourism” campaigns to encourage travel, including free entry to key attractions for ticket holders and seamless connections between train stations and tourist sites. In Wulong, a special “High-Speed Rail Pass” grants access to several core attractions, and dedicated shuttle buses provide effortless transfers from the station to scenic areas.

The "high-speed rail effect" redraws the map for southeastern Chongqing, transforming former peripheral areas into hubs for cultural exchange and economic activity. The rapid flow of people and goods fosters collaboration across industries, from advanced manufacturing in Qianjiang to smart agriculture and cultural tourism in Nanchuan and beyond.

As new opportunities emerge and connectivity improves, the region is poised for greater prosperity. For communities along the line, the railway is more than a transport project—it is a pathway to a brighter future.