Source: CCTV.com

08-02-2008 10:30

The bullet train linking Beijing and Tianjin made its maiden journey this morning (Friday), cutting the travel time between the two cities to only thirty minutes. It also marks the opening of the Beijing South Railway station, the largest in the country.

This is one of the fastest passenger trains in the world.

The Beijing-Tianjin inter-city railway travels at a top speed of 350 kilometers per hour, or 100 meters per second.

The 120-kilometer journey between Beijing and Tianjin now takes only 30 minutes. It stops in Yi Zhuang, Yong Le and Wu Qing along the way.

Experts say that convenience is just one of the benefits.

Zhou Gansi, member of Chinese Academy of Sciences, said, "It makes two cities become one. It can dramatically change people's way of life, and can boost production and efficiency. It's very significant to China. "

One-way tickets cost 69 yuan for first class, and 58 yuan for second-class.

Tickets in Beijing can only be purchased at Beijing station, but ticket windows will open at all train stations soon.

The bullet train's maiden journey also marks the opening of the new Beijing South Railway Station, another massive project built in the Chinese capital.

The five-storey building combines traditional Chinese architecture and modern high-tech elements.

Passengers can get to other railways, the subway, bus and taxis without the hassle of leaving the station.

It also features some 'green' elements, with its electricity provided by solar panels, which is expected to cut costs by as much as six million yuan a year.

Editor:Zhang Yue