A steward prepares lunch for passengers on the high-speed train D7989, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Aug 17, 2015. [Photo / Xinhua]

China's northernmost high-speed railway between two cities of Harbin and Qiqihar in Heilongjiang started operation on Monday.

With a designated speed of 250 kilometers per hour and eight stops, the trip from Harbin to Qiqihar was reduced from three hours to 85 minutes.

The trains have been modified to adapt to temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius and resist adverse weather, such as strong winds, heavy rain, snow and fog.