China’s Stunning New High-Speed Rail Line Connects Southeastern Cities
China continues to expand its rail network with the addition of a new high-speed train line along the southeastern coast. The 277-kilometer (172-mile) line connects the cities of Zhangzhou, Xiamen, and Fuzhou, all located in Fujian province.
According to China Railway, the state railway operator, trains on this route will reach a maximum speed of 350 kilometers (217 miles) per hour. The inaugural train departed from Fuzhou, the provincial capital, on Thursday, September 28.
What sets this new railway apart is the fact that 20 kilometers (12 miles) of the track runs over the sea, making it China’s first over-water bullet train. The railway features 84 bridges and 29 tunnels, including sections built with environmentally friendly corrosion-resistant steel. Intelligent robots were also used in the construction process.
The Chinese government has been investing in various infrastructure projects, including rail initiatives like the “Eight Horizontal and Eight Vertical” plan announced in 2016. The rugged terrain of Fujian province has made ground transportation challenging, making the new railway a significant development.
This new line also holds political significance, as it brings Fujian province closer to Taiwan. Xiamen, one of the cities connected by the railway, is just two and a half miles (10 kilometers) across the Taiwan Strait from Kinmen, a region in Taiwan. However, China’s ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as its own territory, despite never having controlled it.
The Communist Party recently released a circular calling for better connectivity between Fujian and Taiwan, raising questions about the potential political implications of the new railway. Earlier this year, a controversial proposal suggested building a bridge across the Taiwan Strait to create a “peace island” between Taiwan and China.
The completion of this high-speed rail line in Fujian province marks another milestone in China’s ambitious rail expansion plans. As the country continues to invest in transportation infrastructure, it strengthens its position as a global leader in rail technology and connectivity.