China adds X-prefix train numbers for 400 km/h high-speed rail
A new X-prefix category will mark trains running above 350 km/h, with a 400 km/h service now ready, according to a Chinese tech news site.
Why it matters: China's high-speed network is the world's largest, and the letter at the front of a train number has long told passengers how fast a service is. Faster trains could shift the balance between rail and short-haul flights on routes under about 1,000 km, a calculation travelers elsewhere also face as rail upgrades arrive.
China has introduced a new X-prefix category for its fastest high-speed trains, according to the tech news site Kuaikeji (快科技). The X series is reserved for services running above 350 km/h, a band that the familiar G-prefix trains no longer exclusively occupy.
A 400 km/h train is now ready for service, the report said. The article was published on October 23 and carried by the outlet Qudongzhijia (驱动之家).
The report also said flying is not the first choice for trips under 1,000 km, framing faster rail as an alternative to short-haul flights. It did not give a launch date or say which lines will use the X-prefix trains.
10 Comments
Reader notes and reactions to this story.
Maya Chen 2 hours ago
This story captures something I noticed in Shanghai too: young people treat the city almost like a shared living room.
Leo Park 3 hours ago
The point about low-cost identity is sharp. It explains why small habits can feel bigger than entertainment.
Anika Rao 5 hours ago
I would love a follow-up about second-tier cities. Chengdu and Hangzhou probably have different versions of this.
Jonas Miller 6 hours ago
The examples feel familiar even outside China. Urban life is becoming more improvised everywhere.
Yuki Tanaka 8 hours ago
Museum visits, cycling routes, pop-up stores - that mix says a lot about how cities are changing.
Clara Wu 9 hours ago
The article makes the trend feel human instead of just lifestyle branding. Nice angle.
Samir Patel 11 hours ago
I like that the piece does not frame this as Westernization. It feels more locally invented.
Nina Roberts Yesterday
The writing around public streets becoming social spaces is especially strong.
Eric Zhou Yesterday
This reminds me of weekend markets near university areas. Very accurate.
Helen Garcia 2 days ago
Would be great to see photos from the routes mentioned in the article.