The first high speed train in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region set off from Hohhot east station on Thursday, heading east to Ulanqab in a speed of 250 km/h.

Travel time between the two cities will be shortened from over an hour to 40 minutes.

The 126 kilometers route is part of Zhangjiakou-Hohhot railway, which will play a crucial role in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The test run was successfully conducted on Wednesday.