Zhangjiagang, known for its comprehensive river-sea intermodal transportation network, is the most extensive among county-level cities in China. As the Nantong-Suzhou-Jiaxing-Ningbo High-speed Railway continues to be developed, the city is poised to emerge as a significant regional rail hub.
The Nantong-Suzhou-Jiaxing-Ningbo High-speed Railway will cover a total distance of 31.7 kilometers within Zhangjiagang, including 28.3 km of new track. This railway is a key component of the "Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal" high-speed rail network, which plays an essential role in China's coastal passenger corridor. It will serve as a backbone for the intercity rail system of the Yangtze River Delta and will enhance the north-south connectivity in Suzhou's national railway network.
Upon completion, Zhangjiagang will function as a crucial intersection for three major railway lines: the Shanghai–Suzhou–Nantong Railway, the Shanghai–Nanjing Riverside High-speed Railway, and the Nantong-Suzhou-Jiaxing-Ningbo High-speed Railway.
Once operational in 2027, this railway will enable 30-minute high-speed connections to nearby cities such as Suzhou, Wuxi, and Shanghai. It will also integrate Zhangjiagang into Hangzhou's one-hour economic circle and improve links to Ningbo and Jiaxing.
The railway's development is helping Zhangjiagang strengthen connections with neighboring cities, promoting resource sharing and encouraging collaborative innovation. The Dongdu Talent Port near the Zhangjiagang Station in Tangqiao town has already attracted 26 tech-focused projects with a total investment of 1.5 billion yuan ($207.67 million).
Furthermore, the recent inauguration of Zhangjiagang North Station, the city's first freight rail station, marks a milestone. This facility incorporates two main lines, three arrival/departure lines, and two loading/unloading tracks, improving logistics for local enterprises and supporting the integration of rail and port operations.