Performers celebrate the departure of the first Spring Festival passenger train from Ningbo Railway Station on Jan 27. [Photo/IC]

China's railway authorities implemented the national rail timetable for the first quarter of 2026 on Jan 26, bringing additional cross-regional high-speed rail services to multiple cities in Zhejiang province.

Under the new schedule, the Yangtze River Delta railway network now operates 1,431.5 pairs of scheduled passenger trains, an increase of 24 pairs from the previous timetable, according to China State Railway Group.

Services on the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway were further expanded, with eight additional daily passenger train pairs added to better serve business travelers and time-sensitive trips. New peak-hour services include two pairs of benchmark trains linking Shanghai Hongqiao and Beijingnan during early morning and evening periods, as well as an additional pair connecting Hangzhoudong and Beijingnan.

The timetable adjustment also improved rail connectivity between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. For the first time, overnight high-speed sleeper trains were introduced on the Shanghai–Kunming High-Speed Railway, enhancing links between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Following the changes, the number of daily high-speed and sleeper services between the two cities has increased to a maximum of three pairs.

Within Zhejiang, the Hangzhou–Quzhou High-Speed Railway saw further service enhancements. The line now operates 17 pairs of electric multiple unit trains, supporting travel to Beijing, Shanghai, Hubei, Jiangxi, and other parts of South China, while also meeting growing intra-provincial commuting demand.