China's Xi'an-Yan'an High-Speed Rail Opens, Boosts Connectivity at 350 km/hr

• China's Xi’an-Yan’an high-speed railway officially opened on December 26, connecting northern Shanxi Province to the national network.
• The new line drastically cuts travel time, making the journey from Yan'an to Xi'an just 1 hour and 8 minutes.
• Locals expressed immense excitement, with many experiencing high-speed rail for the first time.
• The project overcame significant engineering challenges, with over 90% of the railway comprising bridges and tunnels through difficult Loess Plateau terrain.
• China's high-speed rail network now exceeds 50,000 km, the world's largest, and the C9309 train reaches speeds of 350 km/hr.

Why It Matters: Xi'an-Yan'an high-speed rail transforms northern Shanxi, showcasing China's advanced rail network.