CHINA

Trailblazing Trains

In 2023, China introduced five new high-speed train routes that improve travel, offering faster, more efficient and scenic connections between key destinations. One notable route is from Dali to Lijiang to Shangri-La in Yunnan, taking less than half the time of driving with a high-speed train trip that provides breathtaking views of Tiger Leaping Gorge.  

The Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou route, previously accessible by a seven-and-a-half-hour drive or a non-daily flight, now takes around three hours by high-speed train, facilitating access to the iconic Jiuzhaigou Valley and Sanxingdui, one of China’s most significant archaeological sites. 

A new high-speed train connecting Guiyang to Nanning covers 482 kilometers in three hours, passing through environmentally sensitive areas and minority villages. The route emphasizes minimal impact on local nature and communities through measures like sound and light barriers, whilst allowing travellers rare views of far-flung villages.  

The Hong Kong to Guilin route, taking approximately three hours, allows passengers to transition from an urban centre to the picturesque rolling hills around Guilin. The journey highlights diverse landscapes, from megacities to rural scenery, making it a must-do experience. 

An international route from Kunming, China, to Vientiane, Laos, takes a little over 10 hours. This unique cross-border high-speed train stops at notable destinations in both countries, including Pu’er, Xishuangbanna and Mohan in China and Luang Prabang and Vientiane, providing 

travellers with opportunities to explore these destinations during the journey. 

These high-speed train routes signify a significant improvement in connectivity, reducing travel times and offering breathtaking views, enhancing the overall travel experience for locals and tourists alike.