High-speed travel through Shanxi province

By Fang Sha | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2014-07-18 16:45

Over 70 percent of geological and topographic features in China can be viewed just by taking the Datong-Xi'an High-speed Railway. Passengers look at a variety of manmade and natural sites through the carriage windows, all while enjoying the warm services of the train.

The high-speed line passes through three basins (the Taiyuan, Jinzhong and Linfen basins), two mountains (the Taihang and Taiyue mountains), a loess plateau, Fenhe Valley, the Yellow River and wetland natural reserves. The combination of all the views makes the line a natural geological museum. Train travel becomes a sightseeing experience.

High-speed travel through Shanxi province

Geological Map of Datong-Xi'an High-speed Railway

Sitting on a 250 km/h high-speed railway is like watching a movie, but more vivid and touching. The unique landforms make for an exciting experience for anyone interested in nature or photography.

The landscape of Taiyuan Basin, near Fenhe River in Taiyuan, capital of northern China's Shanxi province

Taiyuan Basin

The middle section of Fenhe River runs through the Taiyuan Basin. Along the river bank are neatly arranged agricultural fields. Passengers can see the beautiful loess plateau being cut by the branches of the river. The scenery changes a great deal as the train moves from north to south, passing modern cities, graceful gardens, ancient buildings and the Fenhe water reservoir. The contrast of ancient and modern landscape is a spectacular visual effect.

The landscape of Taihang Mountains, in Jinzhong Basin in northern China's Shanxi province

Jinzhong Basin

Jinzhong Basin is a living museum of Shanxi merchants from the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are many preserved ancient courtyards, such as the famous Qiao's Family Courtyard, Wang's Family Courtyard and Pingyao ancient city, full of historic stories.

Fenhe Valley

Besides the city views and mountains, there are also scenic agricultural landscapes in Fenhe Valley with Taiyuan Basin to the north and Linfen Basin to the south.

The landscape of the Taiyue Mountains in Northern China's Shanxi province

The Yellow River in Linfen Basin in Northern China's Shanxi province

Linfen Basin

Linfen Basin is a basin surrounded by mountains. It is a combination of natural scenery and historical sites including the Yao Temple (Yao was a renowned ancient tribal leader living in the 2300s BC) where visitors can seek the origins of Chinese culture, an Oxygen bar in Huoshan Mountain, the Xiaoxitian Buddhist murals, and Hukou Waterfalls by the Yellow River.

Zhongtiao Mountain in northern China's Shanxi province

Zhongtiao Mountain

Zhongtiao Mountain is located in the Yuncheng Basin in Shanxi province. In ancient times, it was a lake, but as time passed by, the water became less and less, leaving behind a basin today. Only at the north of Zhongtiao Mountain is a salt lake left.

Salt Lake in northern China's Shanxi province

Salt Lake

Salt Lake, the "Dead Sea" of China, is also in Yuncheng Basin. Around it, there are many cultural relics providing tourists with an intellectual feast. These include Guanque Tower (one of the four famous ancient towers in China appearing frequently in Chinese literature) and the Yongle Palace of Taoism.

The Grand Bridge of the Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces crossing the Yellow River

The Grand Bridge was built for the high-speed railway linking Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces. It is the longest high-speed bridge in China to cross the Yellow River. The bridge connects Yongji city in Shanxi with Heyang County in Shaanxi.

Datong-Xi'an High-speed Railway links a variety of Chinese cultures, historical sites and natural wonders. It is a journey through a museum of Chinese civilization, as well as a museum of geology. Passengers have a unique experience of Shanxi province at high speed.