Rail ministry responds to price critics

Ticket prices on the new high-speed rail line linking Beijing and southern Guangzhou City are set in accordance with the market, the Ministry of Railways has said in response to claims they are too expensive.

Tickets for the 2,298-kilometer line, the world's longest high-speed rail line which goes into full operation on Wednesday, start from 865 yuan (US$139). The most expensive seat, in the luxury business lounge, is 2,727 yuan.

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