Intelligent trains debut on Beijing-Xiong'an express rail link

A new type of intelligent train recently debuted for the Beijing-Xiong'an express rail link, bringing Hebei province's city of the future one step closer to seamless connection with the capital.

Spanning about 86 kilometers, the line runs from Xiong'an New Area's urban terminal station through Langfang in Hebei to Beijing Daxing International Airport, linking with the Daxing airport line of the Beijing subway.

The project's construction has entered the final stage. Once operational, travel time from Xiong'an to Daxing airport and Beijing's Lize business district will be cut to 30 minutes and about one hour, respectively, according to the project's authorities.

Two newly built trains, now stationed at a depot in Xiong'an, feature a silver-gray exterior with deep and light blue stripes, symbolizing a starry sky and ocean waves, according to Shen Shaoxiong, the assistant to the general manager of Xiong'an Jing-Xiong Rapid Rail Co under China Xiong'an Group, who was quoted in a report by Hebei Daily.

The fully automated trains are built with carbon fiber composites, making them lighter and stronger than traditional metal models. Inside, passengers will find warm coffee-gray seats with hidden foldable tables and widened armrests. Designed leaning pads near doors offer comfort for passengers without seats during peak hours.

According to Shen, the train is equipped with more than 2,900 sensors that use AI algorithms to automatically adjust pressure, temperature, and lighting to reduce ear discomfort when trains pass at high speed.