Beijing Subway Line 22 (Hongmiao–Pinggu) has officially entered its no-passenger trial operation phase, marking a key step toward the target of being ready to open by the end of the year. Upon completion, this first intercity rail transit line to connect Beijing and Hebei will greatly facilitate cross-province commuting.

From its western terminal at Chaoyang District's Dongdaqiao to Pinggu New Town in the east, Line 22 (Hongmiao–Pinggu) has a total length of about 79 kilometers with 20 stations: 15 in Beijing and five in Hebei. The line traverses Chaoyang, Tongzhou and Pinggu districts of Beijing as well as Sanhe in Hebei Province, connecting key functional zones such as the Beijing Central Business District (CBD), the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center (BMC), Yanjiao in Hebei, and Pinggu New Town.

When it opens, the line will enable efficient transfers to Line 14 at Hongmiao Station, Line 1 (Batong Line) at Guanzhuang Station, Line 6 at Beiguan Station and the BMC Railway Station, and the Beijing–Tangshan Intercity Railway at the BMC Railway Station.

The line is designed for high-speed operation, with trains capable of reaching 160 kilometers per hour on elevated sections and 120 kilometers per hour in underground segments. When the line is fully operational, travel time will be significantly reduced. A trip from Yanjiao Town in Hebei to the BMC will take only nine minutes, while the fastest trip to Hongmiao Station in Beijing CBD in Chaoyang District will take approximately 28 minutes.

(Source: Beijing Daily)