China has surpassed the 50,000 km threshold of high-speed rail in operation with the opening of the new Xi’an–Yan’an line, a milestone that consolidates the country’s position as the world’s largest high-speed rail operator.
According to the China State Railway Group, China’s high-speed network now exceeds the cumulative length of all similar systems in the rest of the world and serves approximately 97% of cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants.
The Xi’an–Yan’an line, a key project in northwestern China
The new 299 km line, designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h, reduces the travel time between Xi’an and Yan’an from over two hours to approximately one hour. The route crosses the Loess Plateau and includes 10 stations, connecting historic regions and urban communities that were previously far from major economic centers.
In the initial phase of operation, up to 38 electric multiple units (EMUs) will run daily on the line, significantly improving regional mobility and access to the national high-speed network.
Economic and mobility effects
Chinese authorities and experts emphasize that reaching the 50,000 km threshold is not just a quantitative expansion, but also the maturation of an integrated network capable of supporting regional and economic development.
Currently, large urban agglomerations located within a distance of up to 500 km are connected by 1–2 hour journeys, and 1,000 km trips can be completed in about 4 hours, facilitating long-distance commuting and same-day round trips.
Accelerated investment and cutting-edge technology
Between 2021 and 2025, China has put into operation approximately 12,000 km of high-speed lines as part of its 14th Five-Year Plan. Continued development is also supported by technological advances, including tests for CR450 class trains, designed for commercial speeds of over 400 km/h.
The high-speed network is considered by the authorities to be a strategic pillar for regional integration, reducing emissions, and modernizing the transport system nationwide.
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