The Beijing-Xiong'an express rail link has entered its integrated testing and commissioning phase and is expected to open in the second half of the year, marking a key step in advancing connectivity between the capital and Xiong'an New Area, according to Xiong'an Xiongshang Co.

Designed as a public-transit-style rail express, the line will enable a direct 30-minute trip from Xiong'an to Beijing Daxing International Airport and a one-hour journey to the Lize business district. Passengers will also be able to transfer seamlessly to seven Beijing subway lines upon entering the city, Hebei Daily said.

The 86.26-km line includes eight stations, running from Xiong'an terminal station in the south through Baoding and Langfang to Beijing Daxing International Airport. The terminal station in Xiong'an features integrated urban design, allowing transfers to other local rail lines within three minutes, as well as baggage and flight check-in services.

Trains on the line adopt Grade of Automation 4, the highest level of rail automation. With a top speed of 200 km/h, they are China's first fully automated suburban trains at this speed and among the fastest driverless rail vehicles in the world, Hebei Daily reported.

Local authorities said the project will help build a one-hour commuting circle between Beijing and Xiong'an, providing strong transport support for the relocation of non-capital functions from the city.