Travel by Rail in China (1)

China's railways have rapidly developed in recent years, particularly the high-speed railways. People can now reach different places within hours, which encourages the growth of tourism.

Here are some railways connecting fascinating parts of the country that are popular with tourists. If you want to relax this summer, just get a ticket and travel around China by train.

Harbin-Dalian High-speed Railway

The Harbin-Dalian High-speed Railway meets the highest construction standards in North China.

It starts from Harbin, Heilongjiang province, and finally reaches Dalian, Liaoning province, passing a total of 23 stations.

Total distance: 921 km

Winter and autumn are the best seasons to travel this railway as in colder seasons it offers and ice and snow adventure.

Main stops: Shuangcheng North Railway Station, Changchun, Gongzhuling South Railway Station, Siping East Railway Station, Shenyang

Scenery along railway: Saint Sophia Cathedral (Harbin), Rime Island (Jilin), Jingyuetan National Forest Park (Changchun), Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Shenyang, Jinshitan (Dalian)

The Rime Island in Jilin province [Photo/IC]

Beijing -- Shanghai High-speed Railway

The Beijing-Shanghai Railway is one of the busiest in China. It starts from the ancient city of Beijing and ends at the modern metropolis of Shanghai, passing through Tianjin and Hebei, Shandong, Anhui and Jiangsufour provinces.

It also runs through China's two economic zones -- the Circum-Bohai Sea Economic Zone and the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone.

Total distance: 1318 km

Main stops: Tianjin, Ji'nan, Nanjing, Wuxi, Suzhou

Scenery along the railway: the Forbidden City (Beijing), Heaven Temple (Beijing), the Tianjin Eye (Tianjin), Daming Lake (Ji'nan), Taishan Mountain (Taian), Qinhuai River (Nanjing), Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Nanjing), Dangkou Ancient City (Wuxi), Yuantouzhu Scenic Spot (Wuxi), Classic Gardens of Suzhou

The Forbidden City in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/IC]

Hefei -- Fuzhou High-speed Railway

The Hefei-Fuzhou High-speed railway is known as  "the railway passing the highest number of beautiful natural spots in China".

It goes through the birthplace of the Huizhou culture and one of the most beautiful villages – Wuyuan -- and runs alongside scenic spots such as Huangshan Mountain and Wuyi Mountain.

Total distance: 852 km

Main stops: Chaohu, Tongling, Huangshan North Station, Dexing, Shangrao, Gutian North Station

Scenery along railway: Wuyuan (Shangrao), Tangmo Ancient Town (Huangshan), Huangshan Mountain (Huangshan), Sanqing Mountain (Yushan South Station), Wufu Mountain (Shangrao)

Huangshan Mountain in Anhui province [Photo/IC]

Shanghai -- Kunming High-speed Railway

The Shanghai-Kunming High-speed Railway is the longest high-speed railway running in an east-west direction in China.

It departs from Shanghai and arrives at Kunming, passing through plains and snowy mountains.

Total distance: 2252km

Main stops: Jiaxing, Hangzhou East, Nanchang West, Changsha, Shaoshan, Loudi, Huaihua, Tongren

Scenery along railway: Longhu mountain (Yingtan), Pavilion of Prince Tengwang (Nanchang), Orange Island (Changsha), Qianyang Ancient Town (Huaihua), Huangguoshu Waterfalls (Guizhou), Fanjing Mountain (Tongren)

Pavilion of Prince Tengwang in Nanchang, Jiangxi province [Photo/IC]

Hangzhou -- Shenzhen High-speed Railway

The Hangzhou -- Shenzhen Railway starts from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, and terminates in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, passing Fujian province.

The railway runs alongside the ocean, which offers passengers great sea views. One of the best sections is when the train runs through the 8.2-kilometer long Ningde Grand Bridge after Ningde Station.  

Total distance: 1300 km

Main stops: Shaoxing, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Quanzhou, Xiamen,

Scenery along the railway: West Lake (Hangzhou), Yandang Mountain (Wenzhou), coastal beach (Xiapu), Shenhu Bay (Quanzhou), Gulangyu Island (Xiamen), Qixinghai (Zhangpu)

The coastal beach in Xiapu [Photo/IC]