China has just supercharged its railway network, adding hundreds of new trains to connect more cities and regions than ever before. The updated timetable, effective from Sunday midnight, is set to make travel faster and more convenient for passengers, while boosting freight capacity to support economic growth.
With 230 new passenger trains rolling out, the total number now hits an impressive 13,028. Freight services aren’t left behind, adding 91 new trains to reach a total of 22,859. This massive expansion highlights China’s commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure.
The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway is one of the big winners. Daily cross-border high-speed trains have jumped to 242, and for the first time, you can catch a direct train from Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station to China’s western and northern regions. This means easier travel and stronger business ties between the mainland and Hong Kong.
Regional hubs are better connected too. In Inner Mongolia, the capital city Hohhot now has direct trains to Shanghai in the east and Xining in the west. These new routes chop down travel times, making it simpler for people to explore different parts of the country and for businesses to collaborate.
If you’re around Beijing, getting to nearby cities is now easier with 14 new high-speed trains increasing intercity commuter options. Plus, long-distance travel has improved, with better connections from China’s northeast to other regions.
Freight transport is also ramping up. China is strengthening its China-Europe and China-Central Asia freight train services, keeping international trade routes smooth and global supply chains stable.
On the passenger side, the 12306 online ticketing platform has been upgraded to make buying tickets a breeze, especially for students and migrant workers. Efforts are also in place to stop ticket scalping, ensuring fair access for everyone.
All these changes are just in time for the Spring Festival travel rush, when millions head home to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their families. Tickets for the new schedule have been on sale since December 22, so travelers can start planning their journeys.
China’s railway expansion is more than just adding trains—it’s about connecting people, boosting the economy, and making travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
