China’s Spring Festival travel rush is underway, with high-speed rail playing a central role in transporting passengers nationwide. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), the network made significant advances in speed, smart technology and engineering.
By the end of 2025, China’s high-speed rail network exceeded 45,000 kilometers, with 350 km/h lines expanding. The CR450 prototype reached a test speed of 453 km/h, supporting next-generation development.
Smart systems, including intelligent dispatching and BeiDou navigation, have improved safety and efficiency, while major projects such as the Fuzhou-Xiamen cross-sea railway showcased engineering breakthroughs. Ongoing maglev research has also advanced ultra-high-speed transit, reinforcing China’s role in global rail innovation.
Credit : CGTN