A high-speed train connecting the cities of Harbin to the east and Qiqihar to the west, in Heilongjiang province, a distance of 281 kilometers, at speeds of up to 250 km/hr, had its first run, on July 13, Xinhua news has reported, noting that it will be fully operable by August and is expected to carry about eight million passengers annually.
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The bullet train makes eight stops — at Harbin East, Zhaodong, Anda, Daqing East, Taikang, Hongqiying East, and Qiqihar South
— all in the north of China with temperatures in the long winter dropping as low as minus 40 C, necessitating the use of advanced technology to resist bad weather.

The line is expected to improve transportation between major cities in Heilongjiang for a more convenient transport network involving expressways as well, connecting Heilongjiang with neighboring areas.

Work on the railway line began on Nov 30, 2009.