Direct bullet trains running from Jinan, capital of Shandong province, to the eastern coastal city of Qingdao are now available.

According to the Jinan Railway Bureau, the direct train service, which started on Oct 11, shortens travel time and makes it easier to travel between the two cities.

A train passes through mountains in Shandong province. [Photo/iqilu.com]

Two pairs of direct trains have been scheduled to run in the morning and evening on the Jiaoji passenger railway between Qingdao and Jinan.

Train D6003 departs from Jinan at 7:15 and arrives in Qingdao at 9:38, while train D6004 departs from Qingdao at 7:12 and arrives in Jinan at 9:35.

Train D6011 departs from Jinan at 18:51 and arrives in Qingdao at 21:14, while train D6038/9 departs from Qingdao at 18:43 and arrives in Jinan at 21:13.

Passengers pose for a photo on the first direct train linking Jinan and Qingdao. [Photo/iqilu.com]