On the morning of January 26, the G7602 high-speed train officially departed from Qingtian Station, marking the county's first-ever originating high-speed rail service. Running from Qingtian to Hefei South, this inaugural departure signals a historic milestone: Qingtian has officially entered the era of being a high-speed rail "starting station", adding a new, efficient link to the Yangtze River Delta travel network.

Before 7 a.m., Qingtian Station was already filled with a quiet buzz of anticipation. On the electronic departure board, the words "Hefei South – G7602 – 07:43" stood out clearly. Passengers chatted softly, checked the time, and waited with visible excitement. For many local residents, this was far more than an early-morning train—it represented the convenience of setting off directly from their hometown and the beginning of new possibilities.

For cross-city commuters like Ye Fangtao, the new service is nothing short of a "commuting lifesaver". "I used to take the last train the night before just to make it to work on time," Ye said. "Now I can leave from Qingtian in the morning and arrive shortly after 8 a.m., right in time for work. It's a real game-changer." The launch has transformed daily travel from a logistical challenge into a smooth, predictable routine.

Beyond individual convenience, the G7602 service represents a major shift in Qingtian's role within the rail network. Previously, travelers heading toward cities such as Hefei often faced transfers or long waits for passing trains. With this new originating service, travel efficiency and comfort have improved dramatically, reinforcing Qingtian's transition from a pass-through stop to a true regional gateway.

As the train stood ready on the bright, orderly platform, passengers boarded in an atmosphere that was relaxed yet celebratory. Among them was a tour group preparing for their journey. "This is my first time taking a train that starts in Qingtian," said passenger Cheng Jiansu. "It feels completely different—and exciting." Tour guide Xu Liuhou added that the early departure time allows travelers to reach Nanjing before noon, leaving ample time for afternoon sightseeing and eliminating the stress of transfers.

Stopping at key cities including Yiwu, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, the G7602 not only connects Qingtian directly with Hefei but also strengthens access to major Yangtze River Delta hubs. As China's high-speed rail network continues to expand, Qingtian's role as an important transportation node in southern Zhejiang is becoming increasingly prominent.

Carrying the expectations and aspirations of local residents, this high-speed train is racing forward—injecting new vitality into urban development and unlocking broader opportunities for regional integration, tourism, and economic collaboration.