🚄 Buckle up, folks! A brand-new high-speed rail linking Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province and home of the Terracotta Army, to historic Yan'an just hit a major milestone. On Thursday, the first test train completed a full 299.8 km run, kicking off an all-systems joint debugging and testing phase.
In this phase, engineers will simulate real-world operations to fine-tune everything – from tracks and power lines to the signaling system that keeps trains on track. Think of it as a giant software beta test, but on rails! 🔧
Rolling through the Loess Plateau, this 299.8 km line is an engineering marvel: 91% of it is bridges and tunnels (47 tunnels plus 67 large and medium bridges). It's like weaving through mountain passes without ever hitting a highway.
Designed for up to 350 km/h, it will shrink the current 2.5-hour trip to about one hour once it launches by year-end. Imagine grabbing biang biang noodles in Yan'an and still catching evening vibes in Xi'an! 🍜
Yan'an is more than a station stop – it was the Communist Party of China leadership's base from 1937 to 1947. Now, as the first high-speed rail in northern Shaanxi's old revolutionary base area, it plugs into the national network in style.
Beyond speed and history, this line is set to spark rural revitalization and support growth in the western region, opening doors for local entrepreneurs and cultural exchange. Ready for a new era of fast, scenic travel? We can't wait either! ✨
Reference(s):
China's high-speed railway in revolutionary base begins testing
cgtn.com
