The first high-speed train running through Inner Mongolia autonomous region launches service on Aug 3, 2017. [Photo by Yuan Hui/chinadaily.com.cn]

The first high-speed train running through Northwest China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region launched service Thursday.

The route, part of Zhangjiakou-Hohhot high-speed line, stretches out from Ulanqab to Hohhot, 126 km away from each other. It will take only 40 minutes for passengers to go between the two Inner Mongolia cities after the 250 km/h train's launch, rather than the previous one hour.

The whole Zhangjiakou-Hohhot high-speed line, spanning 285 km, starts from Zhangjiakou city in North China's Hebei province, and ends at Hohhot, capital city of Inner Mongolia.

The Zhangjiakou-Hohhot line, to be completed in 2018, is expected to connect with Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed line, still under construction. The potential connection will make the traveling time between Hohhot and Beijing drop off to within three hours from the current 11 hours.