Beijing – China’s high‑speed rail network has officially surpassed 50,000 kilometres (31,000 miles) in total operating distance, cementing its status as the world’s largest high‑speed railway system, state media and railway officials confirmed Friday.
The milestone was reached with the inauguration of the Xi’an–Yan’an high‑speed rail line in northwest China’s Shaanxi province, cutting travel time between the historic cities from over two hours to about one hour and highlighting the dramatic impact of expanding high‑speed rail connectivity.
China’s high‑speed rail network now covers 97 per cent of cities with populations exceeding 500,000, significantly enhancing mobility for millions of commuters and tourists across the country, according to railway authorities.
The expansion, part of China’s broader strategy to modernize transportation infrastructure, relies heavily on self‑developed high‑speed rail technology, including advanced signalling systems and energy‑efficient trains that routinely travel at commercial speeds of up to 350 km/h.
Experts say this fast‑growing network not only shortens travel times but also stimulates regional economic integration by connecting previously remote cities and forming economic corridors that facilitate trade, labor mobility, and investment flows. Independent studies have similarly shown that increased high‑speed rail access improves information flow and reduces economic forecast errors for companies in newly connected cities.
In addition to domestic gains, China’s railway advancement dovetails with international cooperation initiatives. For instance, efforts to deepen digital and investment cooperation with partner countries through infrastructure and technology projects are advancing rapidly, as noted in regional collaborations and investment forums. Relevant initiatives include agreements to enhance digital connectivity and rail‑related investment with countries like Pakistan under broader economic partnerships.
The achievement also reinforces China’s ambition to further expand its high‑speed rail footprint nationwide and internationally, as the country eyes ambitious targets to push the network even further by the end of the decade
