Chongqing- The inaugural train departed from Chongqing East Railway Station on June 27 at 10:03 a.m., marking the official launch of the Chongqing East to Qianjiang section of the Chongqing-Xiamen High-Speed Railway (HSR).

This marks the end of the long-standing lack of high-speed rail in southeastern Chongqing, with the full connectivity of the Chongqing to Changsha section now complete.

He Dan, train conductor of the first high-speed train team of Chongqing Passenger Service Section, shared, "Passengers are treated to breathtaking views of 5A-rated attractions like Jinfo Mountain and Fairy Mountain, as well as the 4A-rated Aiyi River. The journey also offers the opportunity to admire Chongqing's distinctive Karst landscape through the train windows." 

She added, "Beyond the natural beauty, the route connects cultural landmarks such as the ancient towns of Zuo Shui and Gong Tan, rich in history and charm."

The Chongqing East to Qianjiang section spans 242 kilometers, starting at Chongqing East Railway Station and serving seven stations along the way: Chongqing East, Banan, Nanchuan North, Shuijang West, Wulong South, Pengshui West, and Qianjiang.

The train departed from Chongqing East and arrived at Nanchuan North Railway Station. (Photo/Ran Zheng)

Operating at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, the Chongqing-Xiamen HSR now connects Chongqing East to Qianjiang in 61 minutes. The same section connects Chongqing East to Changsha in 3 hours and 53 minutes. Additionally, high-speed trains to and from Chengdu, Chongqing, and Zhangjiajie are now operational, with travel times reduced to 3 hours and 58 minutes and 2 hours and 2 minutes, respectively.

The Chongqing Municipal Commission of Transport noted that the new line fills the high-speed rail gap in southeastern Chongqing, enhancing regional connectivity. It also completes the full integration of the Chongqing-Xiamen HSR, linking the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle with the Chang-Zhu-Tan city cluster, easing travel and facilitating resource and industry flow between the coast and Southwest China.

Chongqing East Railway Station, which opened alongside the Chongqing-Xiamen HSR, has also played a vital role in this new development. It integrates with Chongqing West and Chongqing North railway stations to create a new railway passenger hub for the city, significantly enhancing Chongqing's role in China's transport network. 

The station features a "four-way entry" design and spans 120,000 square meters. It connects four major transport networks: long-distance railways, intercity trains, regional railways, and metro services, ensuring passengers can seamlessly transfer between them within five minutes.

As the largest high-speed rail hub in Western China, Chongqing East Railway Station has 29 tracks and 28 platforms. It will soon integrate with several high-speed lines, including those to Wanzhou, Chengdu, Guiyang, and Kunming. Passengers will have direct access to Chengdu and Guiyang in one hour, Changsha, Wuhan, Kunming, and Xi'an in three hours, and Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen in six hours.