Yangtze River Delta sees increasingly expanded, optimized railway network

The railway network in the Yangtze River Delta region, a powerhouse of economic and innovative activities in China, has seen continual expansion and optimization in recent years, bringing convenience to everyday life.

The well-developed and sound railway system in the region, especially the high-speed rail network, has become one of the landmark achievements of the integrated development in this economically vibrant region. As of May, a total of 26 high-speed railways have been built in the region.

A number of the country's economic powerhouses, megacities and major rice-producing areas are located along the river basin, making the Yangtze River Delta region, encompassing the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui and Shanghai Municipality, a dynamic growth engine for the world's second-largest economy.

Having connected many cities, the railway system has transformed Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Shanghai into a living circle of half an hour to three hours.

"What makes me feel the most convenient is there are many trains in service. Generally, we can take a train at any time. We have quite a lot of rail travel in the Yangtze River Delta region. It's very convenient and fast," said a passenger surnamed Li.

"I'm going to Suzhou today. It takes me about 23 minutes (from Shanghai). It feels very convenient and fast. The seat is also very comfortable," said a passenger surnamed Qiao.

Rail development in the region continues to speed ahead, with the launch of more lines aimed at fostering economic and social development and meeting people's increasing demands.

"From January to May this year, over 357 million railway trips were made in the Yangtze River Delta region, a year-on-year increase of 18 percent. It is people's demand for travel that prompts us to continuously adjust and optimize the operation plans of passenger trains. With the opening of more new lines and the launch of new train types, we hope to get more passenger trains to meet market demand and facilitate people's travel," said Peng Bo, deputy head of marketing section under the Department of Passenger Transport of China Railway Shanghai Group Co., Ltd.

Yangtze River Delta sees increasingly expanded, optimized railway network

Two giant pandas departed from Ya'an City in southwest China's Sichuan Province for the United States on Wednesday evening, embarking on a 10-year international giant panda protection program.

Their relocation marks a new round of giant panda protection cooperation between the two countries, following the agreement signed in February between the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the San Diego Zoo.

Yun Chuan, a five-year-old male, and Xin Bao, a four-year-old female, were selected from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP). During the journey, the duo was accompanied by experienced breeders and veterinarians sent by both countries.

To ensure the health and safety of the two giant pandas during the flight, the CCRCGP has prepared fresh bamboo, bamboo shoots, fruits, vegetables, Wotou—a traditional Chinese steamed bread—and clean drinking water.

The pair will transit through Hong Kong and are scheduled to arrive in the U.S. on Thursday.

After they move into the San Diego Zoo, Chinese experts will stay with them for about three months to accompany them through the isolation and quarantine period, helping them quickly adapt to the new living environment.

During their stay at the San Diego Zoo, the public will have the opportunity to learn about the animals' daily lives and adaptations.

The CCRCGP has conducted scientific research in cooperation with the San Diego Zoo for over 25 years, with fruitful results in protecting, breeding, and controlling disease in giant pandas and related public education.

Giant pandas leave hometown for US