Actors perform the Yueju Opera on the first train on the Hangzhou-Wenzhou High-speed Railway, Sept 6, 2024. [Photo by Dong Xuming/for chinadaily.com.cn]

The much-anticipated high-speed railway connecting Hangzhou and Wenzhou officially began operating from Friday, marking a significant milestone in the transportation infrastructure of Zhejiang province.

With this, the "one-hour transport circle" between the two cities has become a reality, connecting key urban areas and bringing high-speed railway access to more regions, according to experts.

The inaugural trains G9505 and G9508, simultaneously departed from Hangzhou West Station and Wenzhou North Station at 9 am.

With the total length of the main line at 276 kilometers and a design speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the journey from Hangzhou West station to Wenzhou North station can now be completed in just 87 minutes.

Zhang Yi, general manager of the Rail Transit Department of Zhejiang Communications Investment Group Co, said: "It strengthens the rapid connection between the southernmost part of the Yangtze River Delta region, Wenzhou, and other key cities in the region, further accelerating the integration of'the Yangtze River Delta region on rails.'"

Nanxi River Station, located in Fenglin township, Yongjia county, Wenzhou, is one of the stations along the line. Situated in the core area of the national scenic spot Nanxi River, the station is only a 10-minute drive from Huolu village in Fenglin. This village, with its idyllic landscape of mountains and rivers, is poised to benefit from the railroad's opening.

On Wednesday, Huang Shaowang, deputy director of the village committee, said: "Through the renovation of our village, we are creating a new model of rural development that combines agriculture, culture, and tourism. The railway's opening will bring more tourists to our village, thereby increasing the income of our villagers."

The benefits also extend to Xianju county in Taizhou, particularly in the development of its medical technology industries. Xianju is home to a medical device manufacturing town located just 5 kilometers from Xianju Station on the railway.

In recent years, manufacturing medical devices has become the strongest sector for entrepreneurship and innovation in Xianju.

The high-speed railway enhances Xianju's connections with Shanghai and Hangzhou, facilitating easier business travel and commuting for employees in the town and improving market circulation and business development opportunities.

The railway has also brought significant advantages to Hengdian World Studios, located in Dongyang city. Once passengers arrive at Hengdian Station, they can reach Hengdian World Studios within 9 minutes by light rail, significantly easing travel for both tourists and film industry professionals who previously had to transfer at Yiwu.

Bao Xiuming, director of Wenzhou Railway and Urban Rail Transit Construction Management Center, emphasized the railway's broader impact.

"The improvement of the railway network will accelerate the flow of people, goods, capital, and information, stimulate economic and social development along the line. It supports Zhejiang's efforts to build a demonstration zone for common prosperity and integrated development in the Yangtze River Delta," he said.

The Hangzhou-Wenzhou Highspeed Railway was built in two phases.