The test train reached speeds of 250-275km/h on the Hohhot - Ulanqab section of the line, which is due to open at the end of July. The remainder of the line to Zhangjiakou will be commissioned next year.

With the completion of the Zhangjiakou - Beijing high-speed line, Hohhot - Beijing journey times will be cut from around nine hours to less than three hours.

Last year China’s National Development and Reform Commission approved two more high-speed lines to Inner Mongolia, which will serve the cities of Chifeng and Tongliao.

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