China’s high-speed rail network is the largest and fastest in the world, stretching over 50,000 km and connecting nearly every major tourist city. For travelers, bullet trains offer an unbeatable mix of speed, comfort, affordability, and convenience, often faster door-to-door than flying. With speeds up to 350 km/h, modern stations, and English signage, high-speed trains make exploring China easy even for first-time visitors. Below are the top 10 high-speed train routes in China for tourists, ranked by popularity, scenic value, and cultural highlights, complete with travel times, ticket prices, and must-see attractions for 2026 travel.
1. Beijing to Shanghai
The Beijing–Shanghai high-speed rail route is China’s most famous and busiest line, covering 1,318 km in as little as 4 hours and 18 minutes on Fuxing trains running at 350 km/h. It connects two of China’s most iconic cities, making it perfect for first-time travelers. Beijing offers imperial landmarks like the Forbidden City and Great Wall, while Shanghai showcases modern China with the Bund and Pudong skyline. With frequent departures, smooth rides, onboard Wi-Fi, and second-class fares starting around 553 RMB, this route is fast, reliable, and often more convenient than flying.
2. Beijing to Xi’an
Traveling from Beijing to Xi’an by high-speed train lets tourists journey from China’s modern capital to its ancient heart in about 4.5 to 6 hours. Spanning roughly 1,200 km, this route is ideal for history lovers, linking landmarks like the Great Wall with the Terracotta Warriors. Second-class tickets cost around 515.5 RMB, offering excellent value for the distance and comfort provided. The trains are frequent and well-equipped, making the transition from imperial palaces to ancient city walls seamless. It’s one of the best high-speed train routes in China for cultural immersion.
3. Xi’an to Chengdu
The Xi’an–Chengdu high-speed train route covers approximately 650 km and takes between 3 and 4.5 hours, making it a favorite among tourists exploring central and western China. This journey connects two culturally rich cities, from Xi’an’s Terracotta Army to Chengdu’s famous giant panda bases. Second-class fares start at about 263 RMB, making it both affordable and comfortable. The route passes through scenic mountain regions and tunnels, showcasing China’s engineering prowess. It’s an excellent choice for travelers, combining ancient history with laid-back Sichuan culture and cuisine.
4. Shanghai to Hangzhou
Short, sweet, and incredibly popular, the Shanghai–Hangzhou high-speed train is one of the best day-trip routes in China. Covering just 169 km in under an hour on the fastest trains, it connects Shanghai’s modern skyline with Hangzhou’s picturesque West Lake. Tickets start as low as 73 RMB in second class, making it budget-friendly and convenient. With frequent departures throughout the day, tourists can easily explore Hangzhou’s gardens, temples, and tea plantations before returning to Shanghai the same evening. It’s a perfect example of how high-speed rail enhances sightseeing efficiency.
5. Hong Kong to Guilin
The Hong Kong–Guilin high-speed route is a favorite for travelers seeking natural scenery, especially karst landscapes and river cruises. While the full journey often involves transferring via Shenzhen, the Shenzhen–Guilin section takes around 3 to 4 hours, with second-class fares starting at around 212 RMB. This route connects the vibrant international city of Hong Kong with Guilin’s dramatic limestone peaks and Li River views. It’s ideal for tourists, blending urban experiences with nature. Smooth border procedures and modern trains make this route increasingly popular for southern China itineraries.
6. Hangzhou to Huangshan
The Hangzhou–Huangshan high-speed train is one of China’s most scenic tourist routes, covering about 250 km in as little as 1.5 hours. It provides fast access to Yellow Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for granite peaks, pine trees, and sea-of-clouds views. Second-class tickets cost around 120 RMB, offering exceptional value. This route is perfect for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers looking to escape the city. With comfortable seating and frequent services, it’s a stress-free way to reach one of China’s most iconic natural attractions.
7. Chengdu to Chongqing
The Chengdu–Chongqing high-speed rail line connects two major cities in southwest China over 302 km, with travel times ranging from just 1 hour to about 2.5 hours. Second-class fares start around 146 RMB, making it affordable for short trips. Chengdu is famous for pandas and relaxed teahouse culture, while Chongqing offers dramatic skylines and access to Yangtze River cruises. This route is popular with tourists, combining food adventures, river scenery, and urban exploration. Frequent departures and modern trains make it one of the most convenient regional routes in China.
8. Luoyang to Xi’an
Linking two of China’s ancient capitals, the Luoyang–Xi’an high-speed route spans about 380 km and takes between 1 and 2 hours. Second-class tickets cost around 174.5 RMB, making it an efficient option for history-focused travelers. Luoyang is home to the Longmen Grottoes, while Xi’an boasts the Terracotta Army and ancient city walls. This short but culturally dense journey is ideal for tourists exploring China’s dynastic heritage. The route is smooth, fast, and perfect for fitting multiple historic destinations into a compact itinerary.
9. Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong
This high-speed corridor is one of the most important and tourist-friendly routes in southern China, connecting Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong in as little as 29 minutes between Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Second-class fares start at about 74.5 RMB for Guangzhou–Shenzhen, making it extremely affordable. The route links the Canton Tower, shopping hubs, and Victoria Harbour, ideal for travelers mixing business, shopping, and sightseeing. Frequent trains, efficient border controls, and modern stations make this route a top choice for international visitors entering China through Hong Kong.
10. Beijing to Harbin
The Beijing–Harbin high-speed route stretches roughly 1,700 km and takes between 5 and 10 hours, depending on the train. While longer than other routes, it’s especially popular in winter, when tourists travel to Harbin’s famous Ice and Snow Festival. Ticket prices vary by train type and season, but the comfort of high-speed rail makes the journey manageable. This route showcases northern China’s landscapes and engineering feats, even in extreme cold. For winter travelers and festival lovers, it’s one of the most unique high-speed train journeys in China.
Conclusion
China’s high-speed train network makes traveling across the country fast, affordable, and stress-free for tourists. From iconic routes like Beijing to Shanghai to scenic journeys such as Hangzhou to Huangshan, these top high-speed train routes in China connect major attractions with comfort and efficiency. With frequent departures, modern stations, and budget-friendly fares, bullet trains are ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. Planning your China itinerary around high-speed rail ensures more time exploring and less time in transit.