On December 23, 2025, the Baotou-Yinchuan high-speed railway on the Chinese mainland began full line operation, linking Inner Mongolia's Baotou City with the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region's Yinchuan City.
Spanning 519 kilometres and designed for speeds up to 250 km per hour, this line slashes journey times by roughly 50 percent. A trip that once took over four hours now takes under two, opening up new possibilities for business, tourism, and daily commutes across western China.
The railway forms a key part of national development plans for the Yellow River basin and the broader western China region. It enhances regional connectivity, supports local industries, and paves the way for sustainable economic growth along this historic river corridor.
For travelers and digital nomads, the line offers a fast, reliable link between the grasslands of Inner Mongolia and the cultural hubs of Yinchuan. With halved travel times, weekend getaways and immersive cultural trips along the Yellow River basin have never been easier.
As the service opens, young entrepreneurs, students, and thought leaders can tap into emerging opportunities from energy projects to eco-tourism in western China. The new railway not only bridges distances but also fosters innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainable development across the region.
Ready to experience western China by rail? The Baotou-Yinchuan high-speed line is now fully operational, promising a journey that's as efficient as it is inspiring.
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Baotou-Yinchuan high-speed railway begins full line operation
cgtn.com
