Why China Has the Fastest High-Speed Rail in the World | WSJ U.S. vs. China

China has the largest high-speed rail network in the world, spanning over 24,000 miles. Its busiest high-speed train, the Beijing-Shanghai route, runs 217 miles per hour. On the other hand, the U.S. high-speed rail system only spans over 456 miles, with its fastest Amtrak train reaching speeds of 150 miles per hour.

Despite having some of the same technology, the U.S. has struggled to develop its own high-speed rail. WSJ explores the barriers hindering its development including track design and location of train stations.

0:00 Rail speeds
0:50 Track systems
3:05 Planning

U.S. vs. China
This original video series explores the rivalry between the two superpowers’ competing efforts to develop the technologies that are reshaping our world.