The line has a total length of 274.9 kilometres (170.8 mi) and forms part of China's Hangzhou–Fuzhou–Shenzhen passenger-dedicated railway.

Historically, the southeast coastal region relied on maritime transportation, and rugged terrain made railway construction more expensive.

During the Cold War, the southeast coast faced the threat of invasion from Republic of China on Taiwan and all railways were built inland.

[4] In the first year of operation from 2010 to 2011, the line carried over 18 million passengers, averaging 50,000 per day, and reported occupancy rates exceeding 100%.

[5] The line offers competitive fares and passes through large cities with well-developed public transportation and high demand for intercity travel.

[5] Drivers making the same trip by express highway will pay ¥300-400 including gas and tolls, and spend 1.5 more hours on the road.

[5] Long distance bus ridership from Fuzhou to Xiamen fell by 83%, to Quanzhou by 63%, to Jinjiang by 50%, to Shishi by 25% and to Putian by 38%.