China’s high-speed railway (HSR) system has emerged as a global leader in revolutionising long-distance travel through speed, reliability, and affordability. Recent advancements, such as the introduction of high-speed night trains, have further extended the versatility of HSR services to cater modern passenger needs. Night routes like those connecting Hong Kong with Beijing and Shanghai highlight the "sleep and arrive" concept, where passengers rest overnight, maximising travel efficiency. This research examines China’s progress in high-speed night rail services and compares it with the historical evolution of night rail operations, particularly in Europe. Furthermore, the research explores user feedback, operational innovations, and the challenges of integrating advanced technology and customer service into a growing high-speed railway network. With the world’s largest high-speed rail infrastructure, China’s implementation of efficient, comfortable, and sustainable night travel offers lessons for global adoption while addressing the transport sector’s carbon footprint.
Luketić et al. (2026) studied this question.