BEIJING, December 29, 2025 – China's extensive high-speed rail (HSR) network has officially exceeded 50,000 kilometers (approximately 31,000 miles) in operational length, following the inauguration of the new Xi'an-Yan'an high-speed railway on Friday, December 26, 2025. This achievement solidifies China's position as the global leader in high-speed rail infrastructure, with a network longer than the combined total of all other countries and roughly one-fifth greater than the Earth's circumference.
The milestone was announced by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway), the national operator, which highlighted the rapid expansion during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). Approximately 12,000 km of new HSR lines were added since 2021, representing a roughly 32% increase from the end of 2020, when the network stood at about 37,900 km.
The newly opened Xi'an-Yan'an line, spanning 299 km in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, played a pivotal role in crossing the 50,000 km threshold. The route connects Xi'an – the ancient capital famous for the Terracotta Warriors – with Yan'an, a historic revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China from the 1930s to 1940s. Designed for speeds up to 350 km/h (217 mph), the line reduces travel time between the two cities from over 2.5 hours on conventional trains to as little as 68 minutes.
The inaugural train, C9309, a Fuxing-series bullet train, departed Yan'an Station on December 26, greeted by traditional Ansai waist-drum performances and enthusiastic crowds. In its initial phase, up to 38 daily trains operate on the line, serving 10 stations. The route traverses challenging terrain on the Loess Plateau, with over 90% consisting of bridges and tunnels, showcasing advanced engineering to overcome fragile soil conditions.
Passengers on the maiden voyages expressed excitement. One international visitor noted the comfort and speed, while locals highlighted how the line transforms accessibility in northern Shaanxi. The network now reaches 97% of Chinese cities with populations over 500,000, facilitating economic integration, tourism, and regional development.
China's HSR system, which began with the 2008 Beijing-Tianjin line, has grown exponentially. It features the world's highest ridership and most advanced operations, with peak daily capacity for 16 million passengers. Innovations include the CR450 prototype, tested at record speeds, paving the way for future 400 km/h services.
The Xi'an-Yan'an project, starting construction in 2021, involved land acquisition and demolitions. In 2020, local authorities announced compensation of 5,000 yuan (about $700) per household for displaced residents.
Globally, China's HSR expertise extends through the Belt and Road Initiative, funding railway projects in Asia and beyond, though some have faced delays or controversies over debt and implementation.
This milestone underscores China's commitment to sustainable, high-efficiency transport, reducing reliance on air and road travel while boosting connectivity across its vast territory.
