Hangzhou-Taizhou High-Speed Railway Trial Run Begins
The Wenzhou-Yuhuan section of the Hangzhou-Taizhou High-Speed Railway (HSR) officially entered trial operations on July 2, 2026, signaling that the full line is approaching its commercial opening. The first trial train, G55301, departed from Wenling Station in the morning, heading toward Yuhuan Station for timetable parameter testing, according to CCTV News.
Trial Run Details
The trial operation is expected to last approximately one month, with the line projected to be ready for commercial service by the end of July 2026. During this phase, trains will simulate real operational conditions, including timetable parameter testing, fault simulation, emergency rescue drills, and scheduled train operation tests.
As reported by Hangzhou Net, the trial run serves as a comprehensive “real combat” inspection of high-speed rail transportation organization, train reception and dispatch, operating density, and equipment status, providing the scientific basis for the official opening.
Route and Engineering
The Wenyu section, as it is known, is a 37-kilometer extension of the Hangzhou-Taizhou HSR, which opened its main line in January 2022. Located in southern Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, the new section features three stations: Wenling (an existing station being renovated), Wenling West (new), and Yuhuan (new). The line is designed for a maximum speed of 350 km/h.
Engineering challenges were significant, with a bridge-tunnel ratio of 90.34% due to the hilly and coastal terrain of southern Zhejiang. Over 90% of the route consists of either bridges or tunnels, reflecting the demanding geography. Key structures include the 1,796-meter Xuanmen Bay Super Major Bridge, constructed by China Railway 14th Bureau Group, which involved large-diameter deep pile foundations, deep-water foundations, and continuous beam construction across roads and rivers. The Daxi Cross-Yongtaiwen Railway Super Major Bridge, built by China Railway 24th Bureau Group, spans approximately 5.7 kilometers across multiple roads and rivers and was a critical control project for the entire line.
Extensive Testing Phase
Guo Lingjun, a senior engineer at the Transport Department of China Railway Shanghai Group, told Xinhua News Agency that since joint commissioning and testing began in June 2026, the Shanghai Railway Bureau organized relevant units to deploy inspection trains, comprehensive inspection trains, and multiple-unit trainsets for round-trip detection tests at different speed levels, as well as full-line pull-through tests. A total of 708 test trains of various types were operated, covering a detection mileage of 12,413 kilometers. “We safely and efficiently completed all joint commissioning and testing tasks,” Guo said.
Closing Yuhuan’s Railway Gap
A key significance of this project is that it will end Yuhuan’s isolation from the national rail network. Yuhuan is one of China’s economically developed “top 100 counties” with a strong manufacturing and industrial base, but it has historically been one of the few such counties in Zhejiang without railway access.
According to reporters from China News Service, the Wenyu section is a passenger-dedicated line integrating network, intercity, tourism, and economic development functions. After completion, Taizhou will achieve a new transportation pattern of “every county connected by rail, full railway network coverage.”
Broader Economic Impact
The Wenyu section is a critical component of Zhejiang Province’s “1-hour high-speed rail commuting circle” plan, which aims to connect all major cities and county-level units within one hour of travel time by HSR. Travel time from Yuhuan to Shanghai is expected to be approximately 2.5 hours once the line opens, dramatically improving access for business travelers and tourists alike.
Taizhou itself holds historical significance as one of the birthplaces of China’s private economy, with a strong manufacturing and entrepreneurial culture. The improved rail connectivity is expected to boost investment, tourism, and industrial development along the corridor, further integrating Yuhuan into the broader Yangtze River Delta economic zone. The line passes through areas with significant tourism potential, including coastal scenery and cultural sites in southern Zhejiang, which could see increased visitor numbers once direct high-speed access is available.
Construction Timeline
The project moved through several key milestones: full construction began in November 2022, tunnels were fully connected by December 2024, girder erection was completed in June 2025, track laying finished in December 2025, static acceptance began in April 2026, and joint commissioning and testing started in June 2026 before the trial run commenced on July 2.
What to Watch For
While the line is expected to be ready for commercial operation by the end of July 2026, several details remain unannounced, including the exact opening date, ticket pricing structures, service frequency, and how the new section will integrate with existing high-speed and conventional rail services in the region. These details are expected to be released as the trial run progresses and the opening date approaches.