The long-awaited express rail linking the Badaling Great Wall with downtown Beijing went into operation on Wednesday, cutting the journey time in half.

The line S2 runs between Beijing North Railway Station near Xizhimen and Yanqing, a suburban county where the Badaling section of the Great Wall is located.

A first-class car of a train running on the new S2 express railway from downtown Beijing to the Badaling section of the Great Wall on August 6, 2008. [photo: sohu.com]

There are six stops along the 82-kilometer route, Beijing Evening News reported. It takes 80 minutes from Xizhimen to Badaling, the previous stop of the terminal Yanqing station.

Previously, a train journey would take over two and a half hours.

A train on the new S2 express railway waits at the Beijing North Railway Station on August 6, 2008.

Taking the S2 is not only time-saving, but also comfortable, the report says. Trains having a maximum speed of 160 kilometers/hour (99.4 mi/h) are equipped with swivel seats and disabled-friendly facilities. Another highlighted design is a sightseeing car with larger windows. Introduction of scenic spots along the route will be broadcasted in both Chinese and English.

Badaling-bound riders pay 17 yuan (US$2.48) for a first-class seat and 14 yuan for a second-class one. Those traveling farther to the terminal should add 6 and 5 yuan for first and second-class, respectively.

On Wednesday, eight trains departed from each side of the line. When fully operational on Sunday, the number will be increased to 16, Beijing Evening News reported.

A train on the new S2 express railway waits at the Beijing North Railway Station on August 6, 2008.

(CRI August 7, 2008)