Travel enthusiasts and locals alike have welcomed the opening of the Lijiang-Shangri-La Railway in Yunnan Province, marking a significant advancement in the region's transportation infrastructure. Launched on Sunday by the China State Railway Group, this winding railway connects the renowned tourist destinations of Shangri-La and Lijiang, promising a more efficient and scenic journey.
The inaugural journey departed from Shangri-La in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture at noon, reaching Lijiang in just 1.5 hours. Travelers can now continue their trip to Kunming, the provincial capital, in an additional 4.5 hours, streamlining connections across the province.
With a design speed of 140 kilometers per hour and spanning a total length of 139 kilometers, the new railway slashes the fastest travel time between Shangri-La and Lijiang to merely one hour and 18 minutes. This improvement not only boosts convenience for tourists but also fosters economic growth by facilitating easier movement of goods and services.
As a crucial segment of the Yunnan-Xizang Railway, the Lijiang-Shangri-La line traverses some of Yunnan's most breathtaking natural landscapes. Passengers are treated to a mesmerizing blend of engineered marvels and pristine environments, highlighting the harmonious coexistence of human ingenuity and nature's splendor.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
