The Shangqiu-Hefei-Hangzhou High-Speed Railway is scheduled to start construction in October and be completed in 2019, according to rail sectors.

The railway is designed at a maximum train speed of 350 kilometers per hour and has 28 stations.

Upon completion, Ningbo will be linked with Hefei in Anhui, Zhengzhou in Henan and Xi’an in Shaanxi with high-speed railways. Accordingly, the journey time will be shortened remarkably.

Must-visit cities along the railway

Ningbo, Zhejiang

Ningbo is a national historical and cultural city. Its history dates back to as far as the Hemudu Culture more than 7,000 years ago.

Ningbo is among Zhejiang's three economic centers. Its history of shipping and foreign exchange goes back to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). Therefore, it is an important stop at the Maritime Silk Road.

Best time: March-May, September-November

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Hangzhou sits at the head of Hangzhou Bay on China's coast between Shanghai and Ningbo. Hangzhou grew to prominence as the southern terminus of the Grand Canal and has been one of the most renowned and prosperous cities in China for much of the last millennium, due in part to its beautiful natural scenery. The city's West Lake is its best-known tourist attraction.

Best time: March-May

Xuancheng, Anhui

Xuancheng is a city in the southeast of Anhui province. Originally founded in 109 BC, Xuancheng has over 2,000 years of history.

It has a profound cultural heritage and rich tourism resources. There are many scenery resorts, such as the country's largest captive breeding bases–Chinese Crocodile Lake, one of the four unique scenes – Taiji Cave, Peach Blossom Pool, Jingting Mountain, Zhangshan Canyon, and cultural sites of the New Fourth Army, the Ancestral Hall of the Hu Family in Jixi, the Former Residence of Mr. Hu Shih, the Jiang's Village in Jingde, and so on.

Best time: March-May, September-November

Shangqiu, Henan

The history of Shangqiu is closely related to the very beginning of Chinese history. An ancient city with a rich history, Shangqiu was also the first capital of the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC).

Once merely a small village, Shangqiu has grown significantly in recent years. It is important geographically because it lies at a junction of several major railways, making its train station a major regional transportation hub.

Best time: March-May, September-November

Xi'an, Shaanxi

Xi'an is the oldest of China's four great ancient capitals, having held the position under several of the most important dynasties in the Chinese history.

Xi'an is the starting point of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Best time: March-May, September-October