Plan Your Trip with China High-Speed Rail

Planning a trip to China but unfamiliar with the high-speed rail network? Don’t worry — the China High-Speed Rail Map is here to help. With this map, Malaysian travellers can easily navigate their way across the country without getting lost. This article provides a comprehensive guide to China’s high-speed rail system, including an overview of the rail map, popular high-speed train routes, and how to purchase your train tickets with ease.

About the China Railway Map

China’s railway network is incredibly vast, covering nearly every part of the country — including remote regions and mountainous areas. As of 2020, the total operational railway length in China reached approximately 146,300 kilometres, making it the second longest railway network in the world, just behind the United States.

What sets China apart is its impressive high-speed rail (HSR) system, one of the largest and most advanced in the world. By 2020, China’s high-speed rail network spanned around 37,900 kilometres — accounting for about two-thirds of the world’s total HSR tracks.

Looking ahead, China aims to expand its high-speed rail network to 70,000 kilometres by the year 2035. Once completed, this massive network will connect over 90% of the country’s population, making travel across China even more accessible and efficient for both locals and international visitors, including Malaysians.

Most Popular High-Speed Rail Routes in China

Here are some of the most popular high-speed train routes in China that Malaysian travellers often consider. These routes connect major cities across the country and offer a comfortable, efficient way to explore China by rail.

*Note: Ticket prices may vary depending on the exchange rate and travel dates.

1. Beijing – Shanghai Route

Average travel time: 4.5–6 hours
Distance: Approx. 1,318 km
This is one of the most popular high-speed rail routes in China. It connects the capital city, Beijing, with Shanghai — a major financial and economic hub. The journey is quick, efficient, and ideal for business or leisure travel.

2. Beijing – Guangzhou Route

Average travel time: 8–10 hours
Distance: Approx. 2,298 km
This long-distance route links northern and southern China, connecting Beijing with Guangzhou, the largest city in southern China. Though the journey takes longer, it offers scenic views across various provinces.

3. Shanghai – Kunming Route

Average travel time: 10–12 hours
Distance: Approx. 2,252 km
This route connects modern, bustling Shanghai with Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, known for its stunning natural beauty. Expect breathtaking landscapes including mountains, lakes, and flower fields along the way.

4. Guangzhou – Hong Kong Route

Travel time: About 1 hour
Distance: Approx. 142 km
A short yet significant route, this line connects Guangzhou to Hong Kong — perfect for a quick city escape or cross-border business trip. It’s a convenient option for travellers heading to the vibrant harbour city of Hong Kong.

5. Chengdu – Chongqing Route

Average travel time: 1.5–2 hours
Distance: Approx. 308 km
This key route in southwest China links Chengdu — famous for its giant pandas — with Chongqing, a major city along the scenic Yangtze River. It’s a quick and easy journey through a culturally rich region.

8 Major High-Speed Rail Lines in China and Their Maps

China is home to one of the world’s most extensive and advanced railway networks, featuring high-speed trains (known as Gāotiě) that connect major cities across the vast nation. Below are some of the most popular high-speed rail lines in China, along with their key destinations and corresponding rail maps:

Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Rail (京沪高速铁路)

This high-speed rail line connects China’s capital, Beijing, with Shanghai, the country’s largest and most dynamic city. It is one of the busiest and most important rail routes in China. Covering a distance of approximately 1,433 kilometres, the journey can be completed in as little as 4.5 hours. Trains on this line can reach speeds of up to 350 km/h. Along the way, passengers can stop at major cities such as Tianjin, Jinan, and Nanjing.

1. Beijing–Guangzhou High-Speed Rail (京广高速铁路)

This is one of the longest high-speed rail lines in the world, stretching over 2,230 kilometres. It connects Beijing in the north to Guangzhou in the south, passing through key cities such as Shijiazhuang, Wuhan, and Changsha. The entire journey takes about 8 hours — significantly faster compared to over 20 hours on a conventional train.

2. Shanghai–Kunming High-Speed Rail (沪昆高速铁路)

Linking the eastern coastal city of Shanghai with Kunming in the southwest, this route spans more than 2,258 kilometres. The line crosses multiple provinces and gives access to scenic destinations like Hangzhou, Nanchang, Changsha, Guiyang, and the natural beauty of Yunnan Province. The full journey takes approximately 11 hours.

3. Beijing–Harbin High-Speed Rail (京哈高速铁路)

This high-speed route connects Beijing to Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China. It covers about 1,700 kilometres. Harbin is especially famous for its spectacular winter ice festival. Along the way, the train stops at cities such as Chengde, known for its imperial summer resort, and Shenyang, an important industrial centre.

4. Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong High-Speed Rail (广深港高速铁路)

Though relatively short, this route is extremely important as it links Guangzhou and Shenzhen with Hong Kong. The journey from Guangzhou to Hong Kong takes less than an hour, making it a crucial line for business and tourism between mainland China and Hong Kong.

5. Chengdu–Chongqing High-Speed Rail (成渝高速铁路)

Connecting Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, with Chongqing, a major city in southwest China, this line stretches about 307 kilometres. The trip takes just over an hour, making it ideal for business travellers and tourists who want to enjoy spicy Sichuan cuisine and breathtaking landscapes.

6. Xi’an–Chengdu High-Speed Rail (西成高速铁路)

This line links Xi’an — famous for the Terracotta Warriors — with Chengdu, known for its panda sanctuaries and Sichuan food. Covering roughly 510 kilometres, the journey takes about 3 to 4 hours and passes through the scenic Qinling Mountains, offering travellers stunning views along the way.

7. Hangzhou–Huangshan High-Speed Rail (杭黄高速铁路)

Perfect for nature lovers and heritage explorers, this route connects Hangzhou — known for its historic West Lake — with Huangshan, home to the iconic Yellow Mountains. The journey takes about 3 hours and provides easy access to natural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China.

Railway Lines in China

China has one of the most extensive and continuously expanding railway networks in the world. The system includes a mix of conventional rail lines, rapidly growing high-speed rail (HSR) routes, and several international connections. Below is an overview of China’s major railway lines and a guide to navigating them with the help of the national rail map.

🚄 High-Speed Rail Lines in China

• Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway (Jinghu High-Speed Line)
• Beijing–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway (Jingguang High-Speed Line)
• Shanghai–Kunming High-Speed Railway (Hukun High-Speed Line)
• Hangzhou–Fuzhou–Shenzhen High-Speed Railway
• Harbin–Dalian High-Speed Railway
• Beijing–Harbin High-Speed Railway (Jingha High-Speed Line)
• Beijing–Hong Kong (Taipei) High-Speed Railway
• Hefei–Fuzhou High-Speed Railway
• Xiamen–Shenzhen High-Speed Railway
• Guiyang–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway
• Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway
• Xi’an–Chengdu High-Speed Railway
• Nanjing–Hangzhou High-Speed Railway
• Shanghai–Nanjing High-Speed Railway
• Tianjin–Qinhuangdao High-Speed Railway
• Shijiazhuang–Jinan High-Speed Railway
• Changsha–Kunming High-Speed Railway
• Lanzhou–Xinjiang High-Speed Railway

🌐 International Railway Lines from China

• China–Nepal Railway
• China–Pakistan Railway
• China–Laos Railway
• China–North Korea Railway
• Yiwu–London Railway Line
• Chongqing–Xinjiang–Europe Railway Line
• Yiwu–Madrid Railway Line
• Trans-Mongolian Railway

🚄 Plan Your Train Journey in China with Trip.com!

Trip.com is a trusted international online travel agency that offers 24/7 customer service in multiple languages. With a user-friendly interface and a smooth booking process, it makes purchasing China train tickets quick and hassle-free. Book your China train tickets at discounted prices with Trip.com today!

🔍 12306 vs. Trip.com — Which One Should You Use?

When booking train tickets in China, you have two main options: 12306, the official website of China Railway Corporation, and Trip.com, a reliable international travel platform.

While 12306 allows for direct bookings, the platform often encounters technical issues and only offers limited customer support in Chinese during specific hours. On the other hand, Trip.com provides a seamless experience with a user-friendly interface, 24/7 multilingual customer support, and accepts various international payment methods — making it much more convenient for international travellers, including Malaysians.

🆚 12306 vs. Trip.com