New high-speed line to stimulate tourism

A new high-speed railway linking more than 50 scenic spots in the Yangtze River Delta opened on Tuesday, and experts said it will provide a new engine for the region's economy.

The railway linking tourist hot spots such as Zhejiang province's Hangzhou, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in Anhui province, West Lake and the ancient village of Hongcun - all UNESCO World Heritage Sites - welcomed its first passengers, China Railway Corp said.

The line will serve as a key tourism route and boost visitor numbers as there are seven 5A-level scenic spots and over 50 4A-level tourist attractions along the route, the company said.