Hangzhou-Quzhou high-speed railway has marked its first month in operation, having safely transported more than 140,000 passengers through its stations as of January 25.

Launched at the end of 2025, the new line adds a vital artery to the Yangtze River Delta’s rapidly expanding intercity rail network. It establishes a second high-speed corridor between Hangzhou and Quzhou, complementing the existing route and significantly enhancing regional connectivity. Three newly built stations - Jiande South, Longyou North, and Quzhou West - opened simultaneously with the line, further refining the transportation infrastructure across western Hangzhou and broader Zhejiang Province.

Now the railway operates 17 pairs of high-speed train services daily - 11 more than during its initial transitional phase - unlocking greater capacity to meet diverse travel demands. These include routes to Beijing and Shanghai, connections into Hubei and Jiangxi provinces, links to southern destinations, and intra-provincial commuter traffic. The line’s growing reach is steadily amplifying its economic and social ripple effects.

Beyond boosting mobility, the Hangzhou–Quzhou line is also accelerating the integration of rail transport and tourism. In Jiande, travelers arriving at either Jiande or Jiande South stations can present their valid high-speed rail ticket and ID card to gain free admission - through January 31, 2026 - to major attractions including Daciyan Scenic Area, Lingqi Cave, Xinye Ancient Village, Qili Yangfan, and Good Luck Island on Qiandao Lake. To further stimulate local consumption, Jiande has rolled out RMB 1 million in hotel-specific vouchers and RMB 2 million in agricultural support vouchers. Meanwhile, Quzhou has upgraded its long-running “Free Global Access to Quzhou” initiative, originally launched in 2017. Building on existing free-entry periods, the city has designated October 8 through March 31 each year as the “Hangzhou-Quzhou Tourism Season.” During this window, visitors from Hangzhou continue to enjoy complimentary access to Quzhou’s premier scenic sites. Additionally, Quzhou’s historic old town has unveiled a themed travel itinerary - “Ride the High-Speed Rail: Discover Hangzhou and Quzhou” - which weaves together landmarks such as the Confucian Temple, Beimen Street, and Shuitingmen Gate into a cohesive heritage experience.