High-speed train now connects Chengdu, Guang'an

Sichuan province launched high-speed train service from Chengdu, the capital city, to Guang'an in its eastern part, as the Nanchong-Guang'an part of the Lanzhou-Chongqing Railway began operation on Aug 8.

Travel time from Chengdu to Guang'an, which was the hometown of China's late leader Deng Xiaoping, has been shortened to about two hours and 15 minutes. People used to travel between the two cities by highway, which takes three to four hours, because there wasn't direct train service.

The Guang'an South Railway Station, covering 12,000 square meters, will be one of the major railway stations on the Lanzhou-Chongqing Railway. It is expected to handle 2.6 million to 3.8 million passengers annually.

The Lanzhou-Chongqing Railway is a key railway line that connects China's northwestern and southwestern regions. The railway, which is expected to begin operation by the end of 2016, will shorten the travel distance from Lanzhou to Chongqing from 1,172 kilometers to 820 kilometers, and the travel time from 17.5 hours to 6.5 hours.