Guizhou's new high-speed rail set to boost tourism, development

A new high-speed railway in southwestern China's mountainous Guizhou province will open on Nov 28, unlocking the region's tourism potential and boosting economic development, according to the national railway operator China State Railway Group on Thursday.

The new line stretches 99 kilometers connecting Panzhou city with Xingyi city and is designed for speeds of 250 kilometers per hour, operating 7 pairs of bullet trains daily.

According to the company, the journey from Xingyi South Station to Panzhou Station will now take as little as 33 minutes, while travel time to Guiyang North Station will be reduced to approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes. This enhanced connectivity is expected to be a significant catalyst for the development of tourism resources along the route and foster high-quality regional economic and social development.

Traversing complex karst terrain, the railway presented substantial construction challenges. Since its commencement in July 2020, builders prioritized green development principles and overcame geological difficulties to complete major engineering feats, including the Xiangshui Town Grand Bridge and the Tuole Tunnel.

The new line integrates into the national high-speed network via a connection with the Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway at Panzhou Station. It passes by scenic areas like the Wanfenglin (Forest of Peaks), promising to bring an influx of visitors to the region.

The inauguration of the new line marks a historic moment for Xingyi city, bringing it into the "high-speed rail era" and providing a fast, convenient travel option for residents, signaling a new chapter of growth for this picturesque part of Guizhou.