A new high-speed rail loop linking Shanghai with the provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui commenced operations on June 15.

The rail network, stretching over 1,200 kilometers, connects the four major cities of Shanghai, Nanjing, Hefei, and Hangzhou, passing through two stations in Jiaxing: Jiaxing South and Haining West stations.

The G8388 train embarked on its first journey from Shanghai Railway Station, weaving through the picturesque cities of Suzhou, Wuxi, and Changzhou, and the historic Nanjing. It then skirted the scenic mountains of Jiuhua and Huangshan, glided by Hangzhou's iconic West Lake, and passed through Jiaxing's Nanhu Lake before concluding at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.

The route, which takes approximately eight hours and nine minutes, offers passengers a panoramic view of the Yangtze River Delta's natural beauty and serves as a prime tourism trail.

Ticket prices for the complete scenic voyage are set at 591 yuan ($81.45) for second-class and 949 yuan for first-class seats. The service is designed to cater to the diverse travel preferences of passengers, providing a hassle-free alternative to transfers at busy rail hubs.

This rail line also strengthens the connectivity between Yangtze River Delta region's peripheral and central cities.

Currently, the high-speed rail loop only operates from Shanghai Railway Station to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. If Jiaxing citizens wish to experience the entire journey, they need to take another train to Shanghai first and then transfer to this high-speed rail loop.

Editor: Zhong Xinyi