China has opened the final section of the Baotou–Yinchuan high-speed railway, completing a key link in the Beijing–Lanzhou corridor of its national rail network.

The 519-km line cuts travel time between Baotou and Yinchuan from over six hours to about 2.5 hours, filling a major gap in western China’s high-speed rail system. Officials say it will boost tourism, logistics and regional integration. Initial service will run up to 12 trains a day, with direct Beijing-to-Yinchuan and Beijing-to-Lanzhou routes planned in 2026.