Experience China’s High-Speed Rail Network

It was once Japan that gained fame for its high-speed train network, introducing the world to its Shinkansen, or bullet trains, back in 1964. While the Land of the Rising Sun still leads in rail technology, it is now China that proudly holds the title of the high-speed train capital of the world.

Since launching its first high-speed passenger trains about a decade ago, China has constructed over 22,000 kilometers of high-speed rail track, establishing the longest network on Earth. In 2017, the country introduced the world’s fastest high-speed train, known as ‘Fuxing’ or ‘Harmony’, which can reach speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, reducing travel time between Beijing and Shanghai to just four and a half hours.

China’s high-speed trains – defined as passenger trains that travel between 250–350 kilometers per hour – connect nearly all of the nation’s provinces. With the opening of Inner Mongolia’s first high-speed line in July 2017, only Tibet and the small region of Ningxia remain without high-speed train access. However, with plans for ongoing network expansion, it won’t be long before these areas are serviced as well.

This extensive rail network provides an exceedingly fast and relatively inexpensive way to traverse China’s vast distances. If you are eager to discover this modern marvel, here are some of the most remarkable high-speed rail journeys in China.

The Shangri-La Train

Currently recognized as the longest high-speed rail route globally, this journey takes less than 11 hours to cover over 2700 kilometers. Traveling from Beijing to Kunming, this train ride embodies the spirit of an epic adventure.

The journey commences in Beijing, winding south through the industrial region of Hebei into the arid landscapes of Henan, intersected by the mighty Yellow River. It continues westward through Hunan, the birthplace of Mao Zedong, into the stunning karst formations of Guizhou, before reaching Kunming, the capital of China’s southwestern province, Yunnan. The train is named in honor of Yunnan’s famous city, the mythical Shangri-La, which is nestled high in the province’s mountains and is set to receive its own connecting high-speed line soon.

The Panda Train

This train journey, taking between 12 and 13 hours to travel 1690 kilometers, connects an ancient Chinese capital to the world’s panda capital.

Beginning in Nanjing, a city rich in both proud and tragic history, the train flies through the Yangzi basin before entering the megacity region of Chongqing, which serves as a gateway between eastern and southwestern China. The route continues into the mountainous heartland of Sichuan, culminating in Chengdu, home to the renowned Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base.

The Silk Road Train

The first high-speed train extending into China’s vast western regions covers the 1776 kilometers between Ürümqi, the capital of Xinjiang province, and Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu, in just under 12 hours. This train follows the historic Silk Road, passing through the oasis town of Turpan, which is the lowest point in China, situated 154 meters below sea level. Following this, it traverses some of China’s most rugged terrain to Jiayuguan, the western terminus of the Great Wall and a symbolic end to the ancient Chinese empire.

The Coastal Train

Spanning through China’s southern seaboard across the provinces of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong, this 1623-kilometer line connects Shanghai to Hong Kong in approximately 12 hours, linking two of Asia’s electrifying megacities.

Departing from bustling Shanghai and traversing through Hangzhou, famous for its stunning West Lake, the train moves through the lush coastal regions of southern Zhejiang into Fujian province. Here, it stops at Fuzhou before journeying onward to Xiamen, noted for its beautiful city beaches and proximity to the iconic Fujian Tulou.

The Ice Festival Train

This train connects northeastern China, a region known as Dongbei, with the rest of the country. The journey covers 2400 kilometers between Shanghai and Harbin, taking roughly 12 hours and ranking among the longest rail expeditions in China. Along the route, it travels through Jiangsu province and Shandong, the birthplace of Confucius. The train also stops at Tai’an, the gateway to Tai Shan, the holiest of China’s five sacred Taoist mountains.

The Island Train

Since its opening in 2015, this circular high-speed railway line has provided service around Hainan Island, situated between Guangdong province and northern Vietnam. Some sections of the train run parallel to the coastline, granting travelers stunning views of the South China Sea.

From the island’s warm capital Haikou, the train covers 650 kilometers in about five hours, connecting various towns along its route, including Wanning, known for its surfable beaches. For the best beach experience, disembark at the resort city of Sanya, located at the island’s southernmost point.

Top Tips for High-Speed Train Travel in China

• Daytime high-speed trains typically offer second- and first-class seating, sometimes with business class. Second-class seats are slightly smaller yet remain spacious and comfortable.
• High-speed rail services are renowned for their punctuality, with trains departing on schedule. Automatic ticket barriers at stations close three minutes before departure, so ensure timely arrival!
• With number stickers on the platform, you can easily determine where to queue for your carriage, as trains usually stop at designated marks.