China adds hundreds of trains in latest railway network

China has updated its nationwide train timetable, adding hundreds of passenger and freight trains to its already extensive railway network. The changes, which came into effect at midnight on Sunday, aim to improve passenger convenience, boost freight capacity and further integrate regional economies.

The new schedule sees the introduction of 230 additional passenger trains, bringing the total to 13,028, and an increase of 91 freight trains, for a total of 22,859.

Cross-border services on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway saw a significant expansion, with the number of daily cross-border high-speed trains increasing to 242. For the first time, direct train services will connect Hong Kong's West Kowloon Station with China's west and north, facilitating travel and business connections between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.

Connecting regional hubs

The new timetable also focuses on better integrating regional hubs into the national high-speed network. North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region will see significantly improved connectivity to other parts of China with new direct trains from its capital, Hohhot, to east China's Shanghai and west China's Xining. These new routes will substantially reduce travel times, boosting economic and cultural exchange between the regions.

Intercity commuter traffic around Beijing will also see improvements, with 14 additional high-speed trains operating between the capital and surrounding cities. Longer distance travel is also addressed as new services will further connect China's northeast with other parts of the country.

Freight and service improvements

Beyond passenger travel, the new timetable also prioritizes freight transport. Efforts are being made to strengthen the organization of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight train services to ensure the smooth operation of the crucial international trade routes and maintain stable global supply chains.

In terms of passenger service, China Railway continues to improve its 12306 online ticketing platform to ensure convenient ticket access for key groups, such as students and migrant workers.

Measures are also being implemented to combat ticket scalping by third-party platforms.

These changes are particularly significant as they precede the Spring Festival travel period, a time of massive migration within China as people return to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year.

Tickets for the new schedule went on sale on December 22 last year.