The recently-opened Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou high-speed railway has enhanced connectivity among eastern Chinese cities, providing convenience and a smooth one-day journey across the Yangtze River Delta.
Since its opening on December 26 last year, the high-speed railway has seen over 80,000 daily travelers. It has enhanced regional connectivity among the financial hub of Shanghai and the historic cities of Suzhou and Huzhou, boosting the operating mileage of high-speed rail network in the Yangtze River Delta to over 7,700 kilometers.
During the Spring Festival travel rush, 73 trains were added to service.
On the first day of the Chinese New Year, a train departing from Nanxun Railway Station in Huzhou was packed with travelers heading to Shanghai for sightseeing.
"I'm studying in Shanghai. This is the first time that I take my family to visit Shanghai. I felt Shanghai is closer as the travel time has been reduced," said Shen Wenrong, a traveler.
Traveling without the need for overnight stays, passengers in three cities now can enjoy easy cross-province trips.
"We have truly achieved high-speed rail freedom now. It has genuinely made travel more convenient for us ordinary people, and we can reach nearby cities within just 30 minutes," said Shen Xuxia, a traveler.
Despite Huzhou's proximity to Shanghai and Suzhou, travelers previously had to take detour through Hangzhou and Nanjing due to the lack of direct high-speed rail.
Now, the new high-speed rail, parts of China's Five-Year Plan, offers more direct routes, enhancing accessibility throughout the Yangtze River Delta.
"The number of travelers has increased during the Spring Festival holiday, compared to regular days. Travelers are mainly tourists and those visiting relatives. This train runs from Huzhou Nanxun Railway Station to Taizhou Railway Station, and it's a new service added after the opening of the Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou high-speed railway," said Zhao Lin, a train conductor.
New high-speed railway enhances connectivity across Yangtze River Delta
China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong has completed a significant upgrade and started underwater trials, according to the country's Ministry of Natural Resources.
The China-made underwater ship, named after a mythical sea dragon, is capable of diving to depths exceeding 7,000 meters. It has completed over 300 dives since its maiden mission in August 2009 and explored waters in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.
This latest upgrade, which began in November last year, aims to enhance its capabilities and support more frequent deep-sea missions.
According to the National Deep Sea Base Management Center, the upgrade focuses on critical components like the propulsion system and battery packs.
The propulsion system has been adjusted structurally to increase the speed from 2.5 to over three nautical miles per hour, with the replacement of three-bladed propellers with more efficient four-bladed versions.
The zinc-silver battery pack has been replaced with high-energy-density flexible lithium battery pack, which aims to improve the power reserve and reduce diving costs.
The submersible's observation capabilities have also been enhanced. An array of cameras, including high-definition video cameras and powerful lighting systems, are equipped to facilitate underwater exploration and resource assessment.
Further upgrades include two more LED light arrays at the front and three more lights at the rear and bottom, expanding the submersible's detection range and improving its ability to locate specific targets.
"This upgrade prioritizes enhancing our operational tools. We've upgraded the electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical components, observation, and communications equipment to cater to the needs of deep-sea exploration and improve operational efficiency," said Qi Haibin, a submersible pilot.
Following the underwater trials to test its stability, Jiaolong will undergo sea trials in the South China Sea in March to validate its enhanced capabilities.
"Jiaolong will be sent to the South China Sea to conduct deep-sea equipment verification. After completing the process, there will be extensive missions ahead of us," Qi said.
The submersible is scheduled for further scientific expeditions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans later this year.
China's manned deep-sea submersible completes major upgrade, prepares for exploration
