The impact of high-speed rail on the urban economy

Research Article
Open access

The impact of high-speed rail on the urban economy

Haiyang Xiang 1*
  • 1 Wuhan Britain-China School, Wuhan, China    
  • *corresponding author Peter_XiangHY@outlook.com
Published on 26 June 2025 | https://doi.org/10.54254/2977-5701/2025.23877
JAEPS Vol.18 Issue 5
ISSN (Print): 2977-571X
ISSN (Online): 2977-5701

Abstract

High-Speed Rail (HSR), characterized by train speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, has emerged as a transformative mode of transportation, offering efficient intercity and long-distance travel. In recent years, China has developed the world's most extensive HSR network, raising important questions about its broader economic implications. This study investigates the impact of HSR construction and operation on regional economic development in China, with a particular focus on urban and peri-urban areas. Using qualitative case analysis, three representative railway lines—the Han–Yi Railway, Yi–Wan Railway, and Beijing–Zhangjiakou High-speed Railway—are examined to explore how HSR influences local economies, connectivity, and industrial transformation. The findings suggest that HSR significantly enhances regional integration, improves accessibility in underdeveloped areas, and contributes to the emergence of new economic dynamics, thereby playing a strategic role in shaping China's spatial and economic landscape.

Keywords:

High-Speed Rail (HSR), regional economic development, urbanization, transportation infrastructure, China

Xiang,H. (2025). The impact of high-speed rail on the urban economy. Journal of Applied Economics and Policy Studies,18(5),19-25.
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References

[1]. Frommer, F. (2024). High-speed rail | Definition, History, Technology, Development, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/high-speed-rail

[2]. Xiong, J., & Shen, Z. (2020). Rise and future development of Chinese high-speed railway. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 21(5). https://doi.org/10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2021.05.002

[3]. Briginshaw, D. (2014). Shinkansen: half a century of speed. International Railway Journal. https://www.railjournal.com/in_depth/shinkansen-half-a-century-of-speed/

[4]. Harvard Business School. (n.d.). The Railroads: The First Big Business - Railroads and the Transformation of Capitalism. Harvard Business School. https://www.library.hbs.edu/hc/railroads/first-big-business.html

[5]. Li, S. (2018). High Speed Railways - Case of China. In uncrd.un.org. https://uncrd.un.org/sites/uncrd.un.org//files/20180226_est-railways-trg_p1-2.pdf

[6]. Tombe, F. (2007). Earnshaw’s Theorem and Magnetic Levitation. In cartesio-episteme.net. http://www.cartesio-episteme.net/ep8/earnshaw.pdf

[7]. West China Metropolis Daily. (2024). Do you know there are these “first” in Chinese High-Speed railway construction? Sina. https://finance.sina.com.cn/jjxw/2024-09-20/doc-incptqvc1098162.shtml

[8]. Xinhua Headlines. (n.d.). Xinhua Headlines: 75 years on, China’s economy emerges stronger with new growth momentum. Xinhua Headlines. https://english.news.cn/20241003/2c973a393f7d49dcaab4d3b5c3b20bcd/c.html

[9]. Transportgeography. (2023). The Geography of Transport Systems | the Spatial Organization of Transportation and Mobility. transportgeography.org. https://transportgeography.org/contents/chapter3/transportation-and-economic-development/transportation-socio-economic-benefits/

[10]. Wang, J. (2020). Research on the Impact of High-speed Rail on the Economic Development of Non-Central Cities in Regional Economic Circles. Hubei Normal University.

Cite this article

Xiang,H. (2025). The impact of high-speed rail on the urban economy. Journal of Applied Economics and Policy Studies,18(5),19-25.

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Journal：Journal of Applied Economics and Policy Studies

Volume number: Vol.18
Issue number: Issue 5
ISSN：2977-5701(Print) / 2977-571X(Online)

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References

[1]. Frommer, F. (2024). High-speed rail | Definition, History, Technology, Development, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/high-speed-rail

[2]. Xiong, J., & Shen, Z. (2020). Rise and future development of Chinese high-speed railway. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 21(5). https://doi.org/10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2021.05.002

[3]. Briginshaw, D. (2014). Shinkansen: half a century of speed. International Railway Journal. https://www.railjournal.com/in_depth/shinkansen-half-a-century-of-speed/

[4]. Harvard Business School. (n.d.). The Railroads: The First Big Business - Railroads and the Transformation of Capitalism. Harvard Business School. https://www.library.hbs.edu/hc/railroads/first-big-business.html

[5]. Li, S. (2018). High Speed Railways - Case of China. In uncrd.un.org. https://uncrd.un.org/sites/uncrd.un.org//files/20180226_est-railways-trg_p1-2.pdf

[6]. Tombe, F. (2007). Earnshaw’s Theorem and Magnetic Levitation. In cartesio-episteme.net. http://www.cartesio-episteme.net/ep8/earnshaw.pdf

[7]. West China Metropolis Daily. (2024). Do you know there are these “first” in Chinese High-Speed railway construction? Sina. https://finance.sina.com.cn/jjxw/2024-09-20/doc-incptqvc1098162.shtml

[8]. Xinhua Headlines. (n.d.). Xinhua Headlines: 75 years on, China’s economy emerges stronger with new growth momentum. Xinhua Headlines. https://english.news.cn/20241003/2c973a393f7d49dcaab4d3b5c3b20bcd/c.html

[9]. Transportgeography. (2023). The Geography of Transport Systems | the Spatial Organization of Transportation and Mobility. transportgeography.org. https://transportgeography.org/contents/chapter3/transportation-and-economic-development/transportation-socio-economic-benefits/

[10]. Wang, J. (2020). Research on the Impact of High-speed Rail on the Economic Development of Non-Central Cities in Regional Economic Circles. Hubei Normal University.

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