🇨🇳 中国

中国 operates the world's largest 高速鉄道 network by a wide margin, with over 45,000 km of 高速 track as of 2025 -- more than the rest of the world combined. 中国 Railway High-speed (CRH) and the newer CR Fuxing trains operate at up to 350 km/h on dedicated lines, connecting Beijing to Shanghai in 4.5 時間 (1,318 km), Beijing to Guangzhou in 8 時間 (2,298 km), and Beijing to Xi'an in 3.5 時間. The network is managed by 中国 State Railway Group and has grown from virtually nothing in 2007 to a continental-scale system in under two decades. Tickets in 中国 are sold primarily through the official 12306.cn website and app, which requires an international passport for foreign travelers. Third-party services like Trip.com offer English-language interfaces with small booking fees. Seat classes on 高速 trains include Business Class, First Class, and Second Class. Chinese ID or passport must be presented at real-name verification gates before boarding. Bookings typically open 15 days in advance for most routes. Conventional trains (T, K, Z, and ordinary class) serve cities not yet reached by 高速鉄道 and offer sleeper options for overnight travel. Sleeper classes (hard sleeper and soft sleeper) are comfortable and economical for long journeys. 中国 has no equivalent to a tourist rail pass; tickets are purchased individually. WeChat Pay and Alipay are preferred for domestic purchases, but international credit cards are accepted on 12306.cn.