Hohhot Metro Line 1 officially started operation on Dec 29 -- marking the first metro line opening in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to rail officials.

The first phase of the Line 1 project drew an investment of some 17.06 billion yuan ($2.43 billion). 

The operational time for Line 1 is 06:00 to 22:00 hrs every day. 

The east-west departure station is the Hohhot Baita International Airport (Bayan) station and the Yili Future Intelligent and Health Valley station. 

The total distance of the line is 22 kilometers, with 19 stations set up along the route. 

Officials said the entire ride takes about 45 minutes and the design speed is 80 kilometers per hour. 

According to the National Development and Reform Commission and Hohhot rail transit ticket fare policies, seniors aged 60-69 can enjoy a 50 percent discount on one-way fares with a special transportation card. 

Senior citizens aged 70 and over can take metro rides for free and primary and secondary students can enjoy a 50 percent discount on one-way tickets with a students' card. 

Construction work on the Hohhot Metro Line 1 and 2 began in 2016.  

In 2018, Line 1 successfully got the green light from the authorities with the line assessed as having a smooth track assembly, without the need for any adjustment to the route's alignment or gradient. 

In 2019, construction work on the underground rail track and full line for electric wires was completed. Equipment installation and decoration entered the final stage and officially started trial operations on Sept 6.  

The first phase of Metro Line 2 is expected to go into trial operations in June 2020. The total distance will be 27.3 kilometers, running from Genghis Khan Street to South Xiliin Gol Road, with 24 stations set up along the route. 

The design speed is 80 kilometers per hour. 

The project will draw an investment of 20.30 billion yuan. The planned construction timetable runs from 2016 to 2021.

So far, the 24 underground stations for Metro Line 2 have been completed. Currently, rail track is being installed on the line and 75 percent has been completed. 

The interior of the metro trains for the Line 1 integrates grasslands design elements. [Photo/Xinhua] 

The stunning interior of the new Sanjianfang Station [Photo/Xinhua]