With the opening of the Xi'an–Yan'an high-speed railway in Northwestern China's Shaanxi province on Friday, the country's high-speed rail network has surpassed 50,000 kilometers, marking a major milestone in China's railway development and reinforcing its position as the world's largest high-speed rail operator.

The new line, cutting travel time between the two cities from over two hours to about one, brings both historical regions and modern communities closer, highlighting the transformative power of high-speed rail.

READ MORE: 2 high-speed rail lines open, slashing travel time to Shantou, Zhanjiang

The 299-kilometer line runs north from Xi'an, the provincial capital, to Yan'an, a city that served as the base of the Communist Party of China leadership between 1937 and 1947.

Traversing Shaanxi's Loess Plateau, it links towns and cities that are part of China's revolutionary base areas, with 10 stations including Fuping South, Tongchuan, and Luochuan. The line not only shortens travel times but also connects the region more closely to the rest of the country, reinforcing its role in China's high-speed rail network.