New high-speed rail bridges central, western China for coordinated development

At Jingcheng auto parts company in Yunxi county under Shiyan, more than 3 million differentials are produced annually. These parts supply major automakers and are also exported to the European market.

Its chief engineer Xie Maomao believes the railway will significantly bring Yunxi to its key markets. "The new line will help us reach more customers in Xi'an and further expand our market presence," he said.

Qin Zunwen, a researcher at the Hubei Academy of Social Sciences, said the railway is also expected to accelerate industrial transfer from eastern to western China while improving connectivity across central and western regions.

Beyond industry and logistics, local authorities are betting on tourism as another major growth driver.