Shanghai-Kunming: 15 must-see sites along China's 'most beautiful' high-speed rail

The new high-speed rail link between Shanghai and Kunming opened to travelers on Dec. 28. The railway is able to whisk passengers across 2,252 kilometers in just 11 hours and 15 minutes.

The rail line is already open as far as Guizhou. It passes through major cities like Hangzhou, Nanchang and Changsha. A second-class seat to Kunming costs 879 RMB ($126), while 1,475 RMB buys a first-class seat. The railway is expected to bring more tourists to cities along the line. Below are some famous scenic spots to look out for along the railway:

>>>>Nanchang:

Pavilion of Prince Teng

Located in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, the Pavilion of Prince Teng is one of three towers in the regions south of the Yangtze River, together with Yellow Crane Tower and Yueyang Tower.

Poyang Lake

Poyang Lake, located in Jiangxi province, is the largest freshwater lake in China, as well as the world's largest bird protection zone.

Meiling Scenic Area

Meiling Scenic Area, 15 kilometers west of Nanchang, is located near Flying Mountain, the biggest mountain south of the Yangtze River. It is an ideal summer resort.

Shengjin Tower

Shengjin Tower is located on Shengjinta Road. It is the highest ancient building in the city.

Hundred Flower Pond

Hundred Flower Pond, consisting of three islets, is famous for its exotic flowers and rare herbs, which grow on the pond's surface.

>>>>Changsha

Yue Lu Mountain

Yuelu Mountain is a scenic area in Central China's Hunan province. It contains the highest peak in Changsha.

>>>>Guiyang:

Red Maple Scenic Spot

Red Maple Scenic Spot is considered to be the pearl of the Guizhou Plateau.

Xiang Zhigou Scenic Spot

Xiang Zhigou Scenic Spot is regarded as a "green jade" and "natural oxygen bar" in Guiyang, capital city of Southwest China's Guizhou province. It possesses unique cultural and ethnic significance.

>>>>Kunming:

Stone Forest

Stone Forest, an expansive array of Karst formations located outside Kunming, is hailed as "the first wonder of the world."

Jiuxiang Karst Caves

The Jiuxiang Karst Caves scenic spot is famous for its caves, mountains, rivers, deep valleys, ethnic minority customs and cultures.

Dianchi Lake

Lying at the foot of the Western Hills in Kunming, Dianchi Lake is regarded as the cradle of Yunnan culture. The lake is most beautiful at dawn and sunset. If you want to truly enjoy the surroundings and feel close to nature, try taking a boat ride around the expansive body of water.

Dongchuan Red Land

Dongchuan Red Land is a new tourist attraction near Kunming, beloved by photographers and backpackers alike. The red formations, extending for nearly 50 kilometers, are among the most striking and distinctive in the world.

Shangri-La

Shangri-La, capital of the Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Diqing in southwestern China's Yunnan province, has long been known for its snow-capped mountains, luminous lakes, broad pastures and diverse flora and fauna.

Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the surviving ancient towns in China.

Yulong Snow Mountain

Yulong Snow Mountain is the southernmost snowy mountain in the northern hemisphere. The mountain abounds in flora from the semitropics, temperate and glacial zones. It is a sanctuary for rare animals and plants.