China's high-speed rail network is a symbol of its drive to modernize. Over 20 provinces in the country are linked in a network of more than 10,000 kilometers. In our special series "Eyes on China", Richard Nta takes a ride on board the link between Beijing and Shanghai on one of the world's fastest trains. 

Crowds of people gather at Beijingnan Station in the city's south.

RICHARD NTA Beijing "Wow, I told you this place was ultra-modern. I'm running a bit late but I'm not worried because I see a sea of people and I know that during the peak season – Chinese New Year, for example – over 3.6 million passengers departed from this station. This is Beijing's largest railway station. It opened to the public in 2008 and still looks brand new."

Streams of people effortlessly pass through the station thanks to the use of modern technology – scanners, AI, and facial recognition.

RICHARD NTA Beijing "I need to get to Shanghai."

So, why do people in China prefer travelling by high-speed rail?

LIU NA Passenger "We think high-speed rail is much safer than airplanes. There is also the convenience. Assuming you're flying, then you may need to consider whether there will be traffic jams from home to the airport."

ZHANG QING Passenger "Our country's high-speed rail is safe, fast, convenient, and comfortable, so we like it better."

RICHARD NTA Beijing "Staring out the window, the beautiful landscapes just whizz by. Inside the compartment, I see complex technological features made simple. And in the seating area – even for a tall guy like myself, it's comfortable, spacious and neat."

Speaking of comfort, it's a smooth ride all the way even as the train exceeds 300 km per hour.

RICHARD NTA Beijing "And there you have it dependable and reliable. We're in Shanghai, four and a half hours after leaving Beijing. This is just one line on China's national high-speed network that has brought greater prosperity and mobility for the public. As they say in China, Zai Jian, Good Bye. Richard Nta, CGTN Shanghai."