A bullet train travels on the Hangzhou-Taizhou High-Speed Railway. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfb001] 

The Hangzhou-Taizhou High-Speed Railway celebrated its second anniversary on Jan 8.

Connecting the cities of Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Taizhou in East China's Zhejiang province, the 266.9-km rail line has transported over 20 million passengers over the past two years, official statistics show. 

With a maximum speed of 350 km/h, the Hangzhou-Taizhou High-Speed Railway has brought about a revolutionary change in travel between these cities. Its inauguration has reduced the travel time from Taizhou to Hangzhou by half, now taking approximately one hour. Additionally, it has put an end to the historical lack of railway access to Shengzhou and Xinchang counties in Shaoxing, as well as Tiantai county in Taizhou.

The railway's operation has not only benefited daily commuters but has also injected a strong impetus into the regions it serves. The positive impact is especially evident in Tiantai, where tourism has experienced a significant boost. In 2023 alone, the county welcomed 6.61 million tourists, with 2.66 million of them arriving via the Hangzhou-Taizhou High-Speed Railway.