广东登顶“高铁第一省”

Core Viewpoint - Guangdong has surpassed Shandong to become the "first high-speed rail province" in China, with the recent opening of the Guangzhang and Shantou high-speed rail lines, adding over 420 kilometers to its total high-speed rail mileage, which now exceeds that of Shandong [3][5]. Summary by Sections High-Speed Rail Development - On December 22, 2023, the Guangzhang high-speed rail (401 kilometers) and the Shantou section of the Shantou high-speed rail (19.8 kilometers) were opened, contributing to Guangdong's total high-speed rail mileage of over 3,000 kilometers [3][5]. - Shandong's high-speed rail mileage increased from 2,110 kilometers to 3,055 kilometers during the 13th Five-Year Plan, ranking it first at that time, but Guangdong's recent developments have now placed it ahead [5][6]. Regional Connectivity and Economic Impact - The Guangzhang high-speed rail connects the eastern and western parts of Guangdong, enhancing the integration of the Greater Bay Area with the western and eastern regions of Guangdong, thus injecting strong momentum into regional development [6][7]. - The strategic significance of the Guangzhang high-speed rail extends beyond provincial borders, forming a crucial part of China's "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed rail network, facilitating efficient connections between major economic zones [7]. Industrial and Talent Development - The Shantou section of the Shantou high-speed rail, now fully operational, serves as a "golden corridor" for regional development, promoting the circulation of talent, industry, and capital between the Greater Bay Area and the eastern coastal economic belt [7]. - This connectivity is expected to open broader markets and upgrade pathways for local industries, such as textiles and electronics in Shantou and Shanwei, while also activating rich marine and cultural tourism resources [7]. National High-Speed Rail Progress - As of December 19, 2023, the Baotou-Yinchuan high-speed rail is set to open, further enhancing the high-speed rail network in Northwest China, which is crucial for the high-quality development of the Yellow River basin [8]. - By the end of 2024, 13 provinces in China are expected to have high-speed rail mileage exceeding 2,000 kilometers, with notable increases in provinces like Anhui and Hubei, which are also expanding their high-speed rail networks [9][10].