[1] At the time of its construction, the line was primarily intended to transport coal from Shanxi and move military assets in the event of a national defense emergency.

Major cities and counties along the route include Beijing, Laiyuan, Lingqiu, Fanshi, Dai and Yuanping.

The line passes Zhoukoudian and follows the gorge of Juma River from Sandu in western Fangshan, upriver to Laiyuan in Hebei Province.

Along the way, the line passes through scenic areas including Shidu, the Zijingguan Great Wall, and the Eastern Qing Tombs.

[4] The Cultural Revolution caused disruption and shortage of materials which delayed the completion of the railway, originally scheduled for 1970.