China’s high-speed rail network passes 50,000km mark

This is not a paywall: non-profit, impartial and 100% independent, HKFP remains free-of-charge thanks to our members. Learn more.

💡 You've read article/s this month. Support Team HKFP – unlock 8 benefits by joining as a HK$150/month+ member. Promos disabled for members.

China's sprawling high-speed rail network passed 50,000 kilometres (31,000 miles) in total operating distance with the opening of a new line on Friday, state media reported.

A high-speed train in Guizhou, China. Photo: Francisco Anzola, via Flickr.

The country has the world's largest rail network — one-fifth longer than the circumference of the earth.

The trip begins in the city of Xi'an — home to China's famed Terracotta Warriors — and ends in Yan'an to its north, state broadcaster CCTV said. Both cities are in northern China's Shaanxi province.

Some homes were demolished and displaced residents would receive 5,000 yuan ($700) per household to relocate, local authorities said in 2020 when construction began.

China's rail network has expanded by around 32 percent compared to 2020, state-owned China Railway added Friday in a statement.

A China high-speed rail ticket for a journey from Tianjin station to Shanghai Hongqiao station. Photo: Victor Wong, via Flickr.

The Xi'an-Yan'an line spans a total of 299 kilometres and the shortest trip takes 68 minutes, CCTV said.

The C9309 train runs at 350 kilometres (217 miles) per hour, outpacing Japan's Shinkansen, which has a top speed of 320 kilometres (200 miles) per hour.

Beijing has also been financing railways in other Asian countries under its Belt and Road Initiative, which funds infrastructure projects globally, but a number of plans have been stalled or mired in controversy.

Support HKFP  |  Policies & Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact Us  |  Newsletter  | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps

Safeguard press freedom; keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team

Dateline:

Beijing, China

Type of Story: News Service

Produced externally by an organization we trust to adhere to high journalistic standards.