Currently, there are about 25,000 kilometers of high-speed railway lines in service in China, which account for about two-thirds of railway lines in the world. With the development of China’s high-speed rail, it’s easier and more convenient to travel to faraway destinations. The train speeds can reach 300 kph and most of the famous cities in China are served by this type of “flying train”, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. Exploring such a vast country is not just a dream for travelers.
Facts About the High-Speed Railway in China
- Features: high speeds, convenient, and efficient
- Differences from common trains: cleaner, faster, more expensive, fresher air on board, and less crowded
- Facilities: adjustable seats, 220 V sockets, toilets, hot water, food
- Restriction: no smoking
- Tourist cities that are included: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, Chengdu, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, Kunming, Chongqing, Guiyang, Xiamen, Harbin, and Hong Kong
Top 10 High-Speed Railway Lines for Travelers
1. Beijing–Tianjin Intercity High-Speed Railway
- Length: 120 kilometers
- Speed: 350 kilometers per hour
- Duration: 35 minutes
- Ports of entry: Tianjin International Cruise Home Port and Beijing Capital International Airport
- Policy: 144 hours visa-free
- Travel highlights: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, Beijing’s hutongs, and Beijing roast duck
2. Shanghai–Nanjing High-Speed Railway
- Length: 301 kilometers
- Speed: 350 kilometers per hour
- Duration: 1½ to 2 hours
- Ports of entry: Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, and Nanjing Lukou International Airport
- Policy: 144 hours visa-free
- Travel highlights: the Bund, Shanghai’s nighttime scenery, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Nanjing’s Qinhuai River, and Xiaoling Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty
3. Shanghai–Hangzhou High-Speed Railway
- Length: 202 kilometers
- Speed: 350 kilometers per hour
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Ports of entry: Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
- Policy: 144 hours visa-free
- Travel highlights: Hangzhou’s West Lake, Qiandao Lake in Hangzhou, and Xixi National Wetland Park
4. Beijing–Shanghai Express Railway
- Length: 486 kilometers
- Speed: 350 kilometers per hour
- Duration: 4½ to 6 hours
- Ports of entry: Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, and Beijing Capital International Airport
- Policy: 144 hours visa-free
- Travel highlights: exploring the wonderful architectures in Beijing and discovering the modern and colorful city of Shanghai
5. Nanjing–Hangzhou High-Speed Railway
- Length: 248 kilometers
- Speed: 350 kilometers per hour
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Ports of entry: Nanjing Lukou International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport
- Policy: 144 hours visa-free
- Travel highlights: experiencing the most representative southern cities and ancient capitals of China
6. Chengdu–Chongqing High-Speed Railway
- Length: 308 kilometers
- Speed: 300 kilometers per hour
- Duration: about 2 hours
- Ports of entry: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
- Policy: 72 hours visa-free
- Travel highlights: Wolong Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, Jiuzhai Valley, and the Three Gorges
7. Shanghai–Kunming High-Speed Railway
- Length: 2,266 kilometers
- Speed: 350 kilometers per hour
- Duration: about 12 hours
- Ports of entry: Kunming Changshui International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
- Policy: Shanghai is 144 hours visa-free, Kunming is 72 hours visa-free
- Travel highlights: amazing plateau scenery in Dali and Lijiang
8. Shanghai–Chengdu High-Speed Railway
- Length: 1,955 kilometers
- Speed: 350 kilometers per hour
- Duration: 11 to 16 hours
- Ports of entry: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
- Policy: Shanghai is 144 hours visa-free, Chengdu is 72 hours visa-free
- Travel highlights: cute pandas and amazing landscapes in Chengdu, and modern skyscrapers in Shanghai
9. Xi’an–Chengdu High-Speed Railway
- Length: 658 kilometers
- Speed: 250 kilometers per hour
- Duration: 4 hours
- Ports of entry: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
- Policy: 72 hours visa-free
- Travel highlights: the most ancient capital of China, the Terracotta Army, and colorful natural scenery in Chengdu
10. Chengdu–Guilin High-Speed Railway
- Length: 347 kilometers
- Duration: 7 hours
- Ports of entry: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
- Policy: 72 hours visa-free
- Travel highlights: unique rivers and mountains, splendid rice terraces, and beautiful karst scenery in Guilin
Travel Tips for Taking High-Speed Trains in China
- Buy your train ticket(s) from an official source, such as a train station, a regular travel agency, or using the 12306 app.
- You should provide your valid passport when buying your ticket(s).
- If you want to choose a particular seat near a window or aisle, tell the clerk or your trip advisor before booking.
- Take food and drink with you if you have a long journey.
- Arrive at the train station at least half an hour in advance because you will be prevented from getting on your train within 5 minutes of its departure.
- Keep an eye on your belongings when you are among the crowds.
- Don’t miss your station — you can confirm the station with the train attendants.