China's northernmost high-speed railway starts service

The Harbin-Yichun High-Speed Railway, China's northernmost high-speed rail line, officially entered service on Monday.

The railway runs through a region of discontinuous permafrost in northeast's China's Heilongjiang Province, connecting the forest city of Yichun and Harbin, the provincial capital.

The south-bound first train departed from Yichunxi Railway Station, or Yichun West Railway Station, at 10:26 and is scheduled to arrive in Harbin at around 12:12, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities, according to China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd.

The new line spans 318 kilometers with a designed speed of 250 kilometers per hour and nine stations along the route.

Yichunxi Railway Station is currently the highest-latitude high-speed railway station in China and the largest newly built station along the entire line, with the capacity to accommodate 1,500 passengers waiting at the same time.

Located in a high-latitude, severely cold region where winter temperatures can plunge to minus 40 degrees Celsius, the station features special cold-resistant and frost-proof designs. The platform floor has been treated with anti-slip surfacing to improve friction and freeze resistance to ensure passenger safety and comfort in the harsh environment.

"In the initial period of operation, the railway department will arrange up to 19 pairs of bullet trains. It takes only 8 hours and 46 minutes to travel from Yichunxi [station] to Beijing Chaoyang station. The fastest journey between Harbin and Yichunxi [station] takes just one hour and 46 minutes," said Li Xiaowei, deputy director of the Passenger Transport Department, China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd.

As Yichun is nestled in the heart of the Lesser Khingan Mountains, a mountain range in Heilongjiang, the new rail line connects many of the area's ecological scenic spots to the country's high-speed rail network.

In addition to the Harbin-Yichun High-Speed Railway, three other major high-speed rail lines were opened to traffic on Monday in China, which is home to the world's largest high-speed rail network.

China's northernmost high-speed railway starts service

China's northernmost high-speed railway starts service

Giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang arrived in Atlanta on Sunday morning, drawing visitors who made special trips to Zoo Atlanta to welcome them -- even though the pair will not be able to meet the public right away.

The pair departed from China's Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in southwest China's Sichuan Province on a chartered flight at 02:55 on Sunday.

As planned, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang will stay in the United States for 10 years as part of a cooperative research program for giant panda conservation.

Upon their arrival, zoo visitors were filled with excitement. Many Atlanta residents still remember the panda family that previously stayed at the zoo before returning in 2024.

"I saw them. I got to see them one time when they were here last time and we're excited. It's my wife's favorite animal, so she'll be very excited to have an opportunity to see him because she wasn't here last time, she didn't get to see him," said a visitor.

"I'm really excited. We managed to catch the last ones before they left, so I'm glad they're coming back, especially with our baby here, Rena. I'm excited to show her the pandas when they are available to see," said another visitor.

Ping Ping, the male panda born on March 17, 2020, is easily recognizable due to his large, dark eye rims. His name, together with that of his brother An'an, comes from the wish for them to be safe and sound throughout their lives. He has a stocky build, moves nimbly, and has demonstrated proficiency in climbing trees, often resting among the branches.

Fu Shuang, the female panda born on October 18, 2020, is characterized by a small tuft of fluffy fur on her head and a full, protruding forehead. Her name comes from her mother, Fu Lu, and carries the meaning of both fortune and prosperity. With a round appearance, she is quick to react and very capable of foraging for food.

According to the Chinese side, both Chinese and U.S. veterinarians and keepers conducted a joint examination and confirmed that the two pandas are in good health. They have begun a routine quarantine period of about one month before making their debut to the public.

Visitors flock to Zoo Atlanta to welcome giant pandas Ping Ping, Fu Shuang