The Harbin-Yichun high-speed railway, China's northernmost high-speed rail crossing discontinuous permafrost in Heilongjiang, officially started operation on Sept 28. The 318-kilometer line has a designed speed of 250 km/h, shortening the trip between Harbin and Yichun from seven hours to two hours. The railway will enable smoother flow of passengers, talent, materials and technologies, supporting coordinated and high-quality regional development in Heilongjiang.