Governance and strategy

"China has been able to build such an extensive high-speed rail network quickly and operate it well thanks to the advantages of the national governance model, long-term planning, and steadfast implementation," Yu said.

"Railways in China are considered strategic, pioneering, and critical infrastructure — a backbone of modernization, a major artery for the national economy, a vital public service, and a core part of the integrated transport system. In some other countries, high-speed rail is often seen primarily as a profit-driven or controversial project, which makes sustained development more difficult."

Operating China's 50,000-km high-speed rail network requires both advanced infrastructure and sophisticated management.

"It is not just individual lines; it is a network, coordinated nationally," Yu said.

"On the one hand, China focuses on expanding and upgrading the rail network and equipment. Key priorities include completing the main corridors of the 'eight vertical and eight horizontal' network, improving regional and intercity links, and ensuring seamless integration within railway hubs. The country also continues to optimize Fuxing train technology — an advanced bullet train — and promote innovations on faster trains such as the CR450, which will be able to run at the commercial speed of 400 km/h."

He added: "Equally important is improving operations and passenger experience. Using data analysis and AI, China optimizes schedules, stops, and service frequency. Customized travel products support tourism, cultural events, and senior travel. Station and onboard services are continually enhanced to provide comfort, efficiency, and convenience."

"Ultimately, passengers experience more trains, greater punctuality, and smoother travel."

During peak travel periods, the railway network is tested to its limits, and the high-speed railway is a "game changer".

Retired professor Ji Jialun of Beijing Jiaotong University explained: "Previously, freight and passenger trains shared tracks, causing severe congestion during peak periods. China's high-speed rail has become a vital pillar of national infrastructure during major challenges, such as Chunyun (Spring Festival travel rush), enabling people to travel safely and efficiently even at the busiest times."

Controversy to consensus

Once debated, high-speed rail has become an everyday necessity in China.

"China's high-speed rail faced debate in its early days, but today its value is widely recognized," Yu said.

He noted that China's resource distribution, population size, and settlement patterns create strong demand for long-distance, high-capacity transport. Compared with road and air travel, high-speed rail is more efficient and environmentally friendly.

"It connects the country and facilitates mobility. Today, high-speed rail carries 80 percent of all railway passengers in China — its necessity is clear," he said.

Perceptions have evolved further. "Early concerns about 'city fragmentation' or the so-called siphoning effect proved unfounded," Yu added. "High-speed rail has expanded development opportunities and given people more freedom of choice."