Is the Jinglan Line a highway?
3 Answers
Jinglan Line is not a highway, but a national road, originally known as National Highway 104. It starts in Beijing and ends in Pingtan County, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, with a total length of 2,420 kilometers. The Jinglan Line passes through eight provinces including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, and Fujian, traversing the Keqiao, Yuecheng, and Shangyu districts within Shaoxing. The name of the national highway is derived from the abbreviations of the starting and ending cities. Beijing is abbreviated as 'Jing,' and Pingtan is abbreviated as 'Lan,' hence National Highway 104 was renamed from its former names Jingfu Line and Beiping Line to Jinglan Line. However, the route remains unchanged, and the road length within Shaoxing is still 148.517 kilometers.
The Jinglan Line is definitely a highway. I've driven it more than ten times. It's part of the Jingha Expressway, running all the way from Beijing to the northeastern regions, and the entire stretch meets highway standards. The road conditions are generally smooth, allowing speeds of over 100 km/h, which saves time and fuel. I remember the last time I drove it to the seaside, it only took a little over two hours—much faster than taking the national highway. However, safety is crucial on highways, especially in rain or snow when you should slow down. It's best to carry some water and snacks in case of traffic jams. There are quite a few toll stations along this route, but an ETC card makes passing through much more convenient. Overall, it's the most reliable option for long-distance travel. New drivers shouldn't be nervous—just make sure to check the tires and brakes before setting off.
Veteran drivers instantly recognize Jinglan Line as a highway just by its name. I frequently use it for out-of-town trips to meet friends, featuring fully enclosed lanes with clear signage and dividers, distinctly different from regular roads. Its well-planned design typically avoids steep slopes or sharp curves, making driving effortless with an average hassle-free range of about 100 kilometers. Plus, numerous service areas allow convenient stops for meals when hungry. However, high vehicle density often leads to peak-hour congestion—avoiding rush hours ensures a smoother ride. Routine car maintenance, including checking lights and engine performance, is essential for safety-first daily driving.
