A new railway linking Jiuzhai Valley Natural Reserve, the renowned tourist destination in Southwest China, opened on Friday, significantly improving accessibility to the remote and rugged region, the national railway operator China State Railway Group said.

The first train in the new route left Huanglongjiuzhai station heading toward Chengdu at 10:38 am, reducing the travel time between Jiuzhai Valley and Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, to just 1 hour and 39 minutes. Previously, the journey by road took over 6 hours.

It was for the first time, the designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site Jiuzhai Valley, located in Huanglong within Sichuan province, is connected to the railway network.

The newly inaugurated railway section extends from Zhenjiang Pass to Huangsheng Pass and traverses the challenging terrain of the Sichuan-Tibet Plateau.

The 69-kilometer stretch of railway has been built amid the mountainous and rugged landscape, with significant elevation changes from 2,503 meters at Zhenjiang Pass to 3,156 meters at Huangsheng Pass.

Construction was complex, involving the creation of 21 bridges and extensive tunneling through mountain ranges.

The new line is part of the larger Chengdu-Xining Railway, which stretches 836 kilometers and connects Chengdu in Sichuan with Xining in Qinghai province.

Designed for speeds of up to 200 km/h, this railway will link various cities and high-altitude regions, though full operational details are yet to be confirmed.

Jiuzhai Valley, often referred to as the "Nine Villages Valley" because it is composed of nine Tibetan villages, is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, including serene lakes, majestic waterfalls and a rich cultural heritage.

The remote location and challenging terrain have historically made access difficult. The region's isolation is compounded by narrow, winding roads and high altitudes, which can complicate travel, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

"It is incredible that you can now reach Jiuzhai Valley in under 2 hours," said Ding, a travel enthusiast from Chengdu in his 50s.

He recalled a time over 20 years ago when it took him more than 10 hours by car to reach Jiuzhai Valley, an experience that left him with swollen legs from hours of sitting.

The opening of an airport in 2003 made travel slightly easier, though weather conditions could still disrupt flights. "Today's tourists are fortunate to have a much more comfortable railway journey," Ding added.

China's railway network is one of the largest and most extensive in the world. As of the end of last year, it spans nearly 160,000 km, including a rapidly expanding high-speed rail system that covers more than 45,000 km. It is the most extensive high-speed rail network globally.

The expansive railway network in China has revolutionized travel across the country, significantly reducing transit times and enhancing connectivity between major cities and remote regions. With its extensive high-speed rail lines and modern infrastructure, the network has transformed long-distance travel, making journeys faster, more reliable, and more comfortable.

As China continues to expand and upgrade its railway system, it not only supports the country's rapid urbanization but also fosters greater regional integration and accessibility.