Intercity Train Connects Ningbo and Hangzhou
On August 1, the highly anticipated intercity train between Ningbo and Hangzhou South Station officially commenced operations, marking the first intercity train service connecting the cities of Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Ningbo.
This intercity railway offers 8 sets of CRH6F high-speed train units to cover the distance of 147 kilometers in 2 hours. Compared to traditional high-speed trains, the intercity railway is more akin to a “bus on rails”. Passengers are not required to purchase tickets in advance. Instead, they can use Ningbo and Shaoxing public transportation cards, WeChat or Alipay QR codes for direct fare payment, or buy single-journey tickets for entry and exit at the stations. Additionally, the intercity rail system offers reduced ticket prices, aligning them with the fare levels of urban rail transit. The proposed full fare for the entire journey from Ningbo to Hangzhou South is 20 yuan. Furthermore, eligible special groups such as senior citizens, students, children, military personnel, and people with disabilities can enjoy half-price discounts or free rides.
As the dual “engines” of Zhejiang’s economy and society, Hangzhou and Ningbo are geographically close, culturally connected, and economically integrated. This intercity rail service between Hangzhou and Ningbo is bound to accelerate the travel between the two cities, playing a vital role in promoting the narrative of the “Tale of Two Cities” for Hangzhou and Ningbo and laying the essential foundation for high-quality integrated development between the two regions.
The intercity train is parked on the railway.
In 2021, the “Ningbo Model” of operating intercity (urban) trains on existing railways between Ningbo and Yuyao was officially recognized as a nationwide demonstration and promotion project. It has since emerged as a “benchmark”, inspiring cities across China to adopt similar urban rail transit operation models. Currently, cities like Shaoxing, Taizhou, and Lianyungang have replicated the “Ningbo Model”, using the existing Xiaoyong (Xiaoshan to Ningbo) Railway, Jintai (Jinhua to Taizhou) Railway, and Longhai (Lanzhou to Lianyungang) Railway to operate intercity (urban) trains. In major metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai’s Jinshan district – as well as regions such as Hunan and Hainan – valuable lessons have been drawn from the successful implementation of this innovative model in their intercity rail projects.
In the future, the “Ningbo Model” will expand and improve significantly. Efforts will be made to optimize and increase the frequency of train services, aiming to extend the intercity trains all the way to Hangzhou East Station or Hangzhou Station. There will be a focus on accelerating the construction of new terminals, such as Moushan, Zhangting, Sanqi, and Cicheng Stations. The goal is to connect the city centers of Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Ningbo, as well as the economic, cultural, and tourist hubs along the Xiaoyong Railway, creating a genuine intercity public transportation route that resembles a seamless bus service between the three cities. This route will become a main public transportation artery for residents, facilitating commuting, travel, education, medical services, and shopping.
Currently, not only the intercity railway but also the comprehensive transportation hub construction in Ningbo is making efforts on multiple fronts. It is vigorously advancing ten landmark projects and one hundred major projects, with a total investment in comprehensive transportation exceeding 700 billion yuan. These efforts are aimed at providing robust transportation support to serve national major strategies, promote the integration of the Yangtze River Delta region and help transform Ningbo into a modern coastal metropolis.
It is foreseeable that a modern and extensive transportation network – commensurate with Ningbo’s economic status, industrial foundation, development potential, and openness – is rapidly approaching us.
Journalists: Fan Hong, Li Rui
Translator: Pan Wenjie
Proofreaders: Puyang Rong, Lu Yuchen, Jason Mowbray
