The first train departs Changbaishan Railway Station, celebrating the opening of the Shenyang–Baihe section of the Shenyang–Jiamusi High-Speed Railway. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The Shenyang–Baihe section of the Shenyang–Jiamusi High-Speed Railway and the tourism corridor along G331 National Highway opened to traffic on Sept 28, marking a milestone in Northeast China's infrastructure development and ending the absence of high-speed services in Tonghua and Baishan.

A ceremony was held at Changbaishan Railway Station, where the first train departed at 10:08 am, signaling the start of operations. Spanning 430 kilometers, including 256 km in Jilin province, the Shenyang–Baihe section is a key project of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and a vital part of the Northeast high-speed network.

Designed for speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, travel times will be significantly reduced. For instance, Beijing to Changbai Mountain will now take just 4 hours and 33 minutes, and Shenyang to Changbai Mountain will be 1 hour and 53 minutes, enhancing connectivity between Northeast China and the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region.

The newly opened tourism corridor along G331 National Highway stretches 1,240 km, linking 216 border villages, 12 ports, and 45 major scenic areas. It represents the longest, most challenging, and most socially significant road project in Jilin's history.