Eastern China’s regional connectivity enters a new era with the formal inauguration of the Hangzhou–Quzhou High-Speed Railway on December 26, 2025. The inaugural service, train C3132, departed Quzhou West Station bound for Hangzhou, marking a significant expansion of the Yangtze River Delta’s sophisticated rapid transit network.
This newly operational corridor spans 131 kilometers and represents a major engineering achievement. Designed for peak speeds of 350 km/h, the railway features five strategically located stations: Jiande, Jiande South, Longyou North, Quzhou West, and Jiangshan. It establishes a parallel route to the existing Hangzhou–Quzhou segment of the Shanghai–Kunming High-Speed Railway, creating a robust dual-channel transportation link between these key Zhejiang province hubs.
The project, whose construction commenced in May 2020, presented substantial technical hurdles. The main line incorporates 38 tunnels and 119 bridges, with viaducts and subterranean passages constituting nearly 79% of its total length. A notable engineering challenge was the construction of a 685-meter bridge that had to safely cross the active Jinqian Railway. Huang Baoliang, project head at China Railway No 11 Bureau Group, emphasized that construction plans underwent continuous optimization to ensure safe passage over existing railways, highways, and rivers.
Transportation experts highlight the line’s critical strategic importance. “The Hangzhou–Quzhou High-Speed Railway occupies a crucial position in the Yangtze River Delta intercity rapid transport network,” stated Guo Jianbin, a senior engineer with China Railway Shanghai Group’s transport department.
The railway’s design prioritizes seamless regional integration. At Jiande Station, it interconnects with the Hangzhou–Huangshan High-Speed Railway, providing direct access to the comprehensive Hangzhou rail hub. The western terminus at Quzhou West links with the Jiujiang–Jingdezhen–Quzhou Railway, creating a direct westward corridor to major cities including Wuhan in Hubei province and Jiujiang in Jiangxi province. Additionally, Jiangshan Station facilitates convenient transfers to the Shanghai–Kunming High-Speed Railway, substantially optimizing regional rail connectivity and supporting accelerated regional economic development.