Imagine cutting a 13-hour journey down to just 2 hours. That’s the reality for millions in Southwest China, where the new Chengdu-Chongqing high-speed railway is reshaping lives . Once separated by rugged mountains, the twin cities now form a thriving economic corridor, buzzing with opportunities for entrepreneurs, travelers, and families alike.
Meet Li Zhigang, a third-generation train driver whose family has watched China’s rail evolution from steam engines to today’s ‘flying’ bullet trains. \"My grandfather’s trains chugged through valleys for days,\" Li says. \"Now, I zip across the same terrain in coffee-break time.\"
The railway isn’t just about speed—it’s a lifeline. Students commute for weekend home visits , tech startups expand across both cities, and foodies hop between Chengdu’s spicy hotpots and Chongqing’s neon-lit streets
. Economists say the line has boosted regional GDP by 8% in its first year alone!
As the sun sets over the Sichuan Basin, Li’s teenage daughter dreams of becoming the family’s fourth rail pioneer. \"Maybe I’ll drive a hyperloop next,\" she laughs. One thing’s clear: this railway isn’t just connecting cities—it’s fueling futures.
Reference(s):
Transforming Lives with the Chengdu-Chongqing High-Speed Railway
cgtn.com