The Hanyi Railway, a section of a major high-speed rail corridor between Shanghai and Southwest China's city of Chengdu, opened on Sunday.
After two years of competing with high-speed rail lines, airlines are trying to find a mutually beneficial solution for both sides.
The rail system will be tested by snow and rain forecast for the coming week as millions are bound for their family reunions during the Spring Festival.
Construction started Thursday on a high-speed rail linking the city of Xi'an, home of the Terracotta Warriors, with the city's airport.