China’s Hainan Island to get world’s first island-looping high-speed train

World Today

China is renowned for its high-speed railway technology and the incredible rate with which the country’s railway network has expanded.

However, in a landmark achievement, the country has now built the world’s first circular high-speed railway line. It will go into service on Wednesday in China’s southernmost province of Hainan. Passengers will be able to go around the main island of the province, while enjoying a view of the sea.

The railway line covers 650 kilometers (about 400 miles), connecting all the airports in the tourist haven, with 29 stops along with the route. The loop takes 3 hours and 10 minutes to travel. 

The loop’s eastern section was opened at the end of 2010, which prompted a boom in the number of passengers, bringing benefits to the local economy. Since it was opened, some 61 million passengers have taken the train.

Hainan High Speed Railway’s Deputy General Manager, Zhou Yong, said that the eastern section clearly boosted tourism in eastern part of Hainan.

“With the start of operation of the entire loop, I am sure the project can provide a stimulus for development and investment in the western part of Hainan, especially when industries, energy houses, transportation ports are all concentrated in the area,” Zhou said.