China has built the world’s largest high-speed rail system, which continues transforming the trajectory of people’s lives.
Do you know how big the scale of China’s high-speed rail network is? As a top global rail event, the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail opened in Beijing, China, where high-speed rail is in the spotlight.
In less than two decades, China has built the world’s largest high-speed rail system. By the end of 2024, China’s high-speed rail network spanned 48,000 km, accounting for more than 70 per cent of the global total. The system links 97 per cent of cities with populations of 500,000 or more.
Guided by an innovation-driven strategy, China has redefined new global benchmarks for speed and safety in the sector. The flagship models, such as the CR450 electrical multiple unit, are the world’s fastest high-speed trains, with a test speed of 450 kilometres per hour.
AI Technology Applied
Now, China is using artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and maintain the high-speed rail.
Using AI technology can significantly improve punctuality and safety. Meanwhile, intelligent inspection robots are deployed in railway stations in Beijing and Shanghai.
While leading in development at home, China is also exporting its expertise abroad, partnering with more than 40 countries and regions. From Asia to Europe and beyond, its high-speed rail projects are leaving a growing global footprint.
The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed line in Indonesia has cut travel time from more than three hours to 46 minutes. And in Europe, the Hungary-Serbia Railway represents a milestone in aligning Chinese and European Union rail standards.
Create a More Convenient Life
China’s high-speed rail is creating more convenience for people.
Now China’s high-speed trains allow passengers to bring small dogs and cats. The pilot service has been expanded to cover 38 high-speed train services across 25 stations along 8 high-speed rail lines.
To enhance the travel experience for older people, China also introduced tourist trains tailored for the elderly, known as “silver trains,” featuring a series of customised services.
Along with tourist trains, there are also “Lychee trains”. With the lychee harvest across South China, China launched the first high-speed “Lychee Express” to streamline the delivery of the fresh fruits.
Written by Sha Liu, poster designed by Di Wang, additional reporting by Xinhua, China Daily and Ecns.cn.
If you liked this article, why not read: One-Minute Guide to China’s 450 km/h High-Speed Train Prototype
