URUMQI, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is scheduled to open a new railway in May next year, which will be an important part of the region's railway network, local authorities said Monday.

The construction of the Afuzhun (Altay-Fuyun-Zhundong) Railway, measuring more than 400 km, began in December 2015. It will play an important role in strengthening the links between the region and other localities.

A section of the Afuzhun Railway, linking Fuyun County and Zhundong Economic Technological Development Park, started operation on Monday. Known as the "land of gems," Fuyun is rich in mineral resources, including gold, gems and non-ferrous metals.

The Fuyun-Zhundong section is 260 km in length, with abundant tourism resources along the route. The opening of the section is expected to greatly improve the quality of the railway, as well as boost local winter tourism, according to China Railway Urumqi Group Co., Ltd.

Since the section passes through a river and a nature reserve, in a bid to protect the ecosystem and wildlife, 34 passages for wild animals were set up during the construction of the project.