China on Thursday launched the world's longest bullet train in a latest bid to expand its high speed rail network across the country, which now expands to 20,000 kilometers connecting almost all provinces.

The train embarked on its maiden journey from Kunming station at approximately 11:05 a.m. (local time).  

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Nicknamed as "Shangri-la of the World," the bullet train will connect to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, to national capital Beijing. It will travel a distance of 2,760 kilometers before reaching Beijing in a mere 13 hours, reducing more than half of the usual 34-hour travel time.   

Furthermore, the high speed train will pass through some of the most scenic places of the country; however, enjoying a ride is an expensive affair. A first class ticket will reportedly cost 1,475 yuan ($212), while second class ticket will incur 879 yuan ($127).  

China apparently has been taking great strides in making bullet trains. The Asian country already boosted the longest high speed rail network in the world. However, China is not restricting the prowess of its bullet train technology within its own geographical limit, as it is trying to expand to other parts of the world.

China is trying to seal a deal to build a high speed rail network in India but is facing a tough competition from Japan. 

Last year, China also unveiled a 750-km railway line stretching from Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to the Red Sea port of Djibouti. Moreover, it has also entered a deal to construct railway lines in Afghanistan as well as to connect Nepal and Tibet via rail.

While bullet trains remain a foremost priority, the Chinese government is also making efforts to expand freight train services to other parts of the world. Last week, it launched the first cargo train to London in a bid to give boost to its falling exports. 

TagsChina Bullet Trains, World’s Longest Bullet Train, china high-speed railway, china, bullet trains