New railway station reports strong passenger growth

By Chen Zai

Since July, the newly opened Yichangbei Railway Station has averaged over 6,000 daily passengers, about 1,500 more than in previous quarters.

Yichangbei Railway Station. Photo by Lin Xiao.

Yichangbei Railway Station opened on December 26, 2025, and was designed to become the largest passenger railway station in southwest Hubei Province.

As a key interchange hub between the Shanghai–Chongqing–Chengdu and the Hohhot–Nanning high-speed railways, the station currently operates 102 scheduled train services with 10 extra daily services during holidays. The station’s flagship service is the 69-minute direct train to Hankou Station in Wuhan City.

On July 1, the station adopted the national third-quarter railway timetable, adding two daily round-trip services to Xi’an and one to Qingdao, establishing high-speed links between Yichang and northwestern China and the Jiaodong Peninsula in Shandong Province. The new Xi’an-bound train no longer needs to stop at Wuhan and Zhengzhou, shortening the trip by about 600 km and three hours.

On July 1, the first direct high-speed train from Yichang to Xi'an departs from Yichangbei Railway Station. Photo by Deng Yuqin.

New initiatives have been introduced to enhance convenience and stimulate summer cultural and tourism consumption. The station now offers 72-hour free parking across its 900 parking spaces, reducing park-and-ride costs. In addition, since May 15, non-Yichang visitors can enjoy discounts at 21 scenic attractions and two homestays by presenting their ID card and train ticket stubs.