Core Insights - The article highlights the significant expansion of high-speed rail (HSR) in China, with over 2,700 kilometers of new HSR expected to be operational this year, including the newly opened Yuchuan High-Speed Railway [1][2][5]. Group 1: High-Speed Rail Expansion - The Yuchuan High-Speed Railway, which officially opened on June 27, is the first new HSR in China this year, contributing to the overall increase in HSR mileage [2][5]. - The Yuchuan High-Speed Railway spans 242 kilometers with a design speed of 350 km/h, featuring seven stations and enhancing connectivity in southeastern Chongqing [3][5]. - By 2030, Chongqing plans to establish an extensive HSR network comprising 11 lines totaling approximately 2,300 kilometers, aiming for significant regional connectivity [3][4]. Group 2: Provincial Developments - Guangdong is projected to become the province with the most extensive HSR mileage in China, surpassing Shandong, as it plans to complete the Guangzhan High-Speed Railway this year [6][5]. - Shandong's government report indicates that by the end of 2024, the province's HSR mileage will exceed 3,000 kilometers, maintaining its competitive position [5][7]. - Anhui's new Hefei to Xinyi railway is nearing completion, which will increase its HSR mileage to approximately 2,971 kilometers, positioning it as the third-largest HSR province in China [7].

Group 1 - The Chongqing to Jiangjin section of the Yuxia High-Speed Railway (Yuqian High-Speed Railway) has entered the trial operation phase, expected to open in the first half of this year, making it the first high-speed railway to be opened this year [1][2] - The Yuxia High-Speed Railway is a key part of the national medium- and long-term railway network plan, with a total length of approximately 250 kilometers and a design speed of 350 km/h, significantly reducing travel time from 4 hours to under 1 hour between Chongqing and Jiangjin [2][3] - More than 10 high-speed railway lines are under construction, aiming for completion and operation within this year, contributing to over 2500 kilometers of new high-speed rail lines [2][4] Group 2 - The Shenyang to Changbai Mountain high-speed railway has completed track laying, laying a solid foundation for its opening, with a total length of 430 kilometers and a design speed of 350 km/h [2] - The Xiyuan High-Speed Railway has entered the final construction phase, with a total length of 299.8 kilometers and a design speed of 350 km/h, aiming for completion within this year [2] - The Guangzhang High-Speed Railway, the longest in Guangdong, will connect seven cities and is expected to be completed this year, with a total length of approximately 401 kilometers and a design speed of 350 km/h [3] Group 3 - By the end of 2024, the total railway operating mileage in China is expected to reach 162,000 kilometers, with high-speed rail accounting for 48,000 kilometers [3] - The national railway group plans to produce new lines of 3113 kilometers this year, with high-speed rail expected to exceed last year's total of 2457 kilometers [4] - The addition of two provinces, Guizhou and Liaoning, achieving "city-to-city high-speed rail" status this year will increase the total to 12 provinces with such connectivity [5][6]