High-Speed Rail Transportation
China Unveils World's Fastest Conventional High-Speed Train Prototype
In a significant step forward for China's high-speed rail technology, the CR450 bullet train prototype was unveiled at the 17th China International Modern Railways Exhibition held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing on July 9, 2025. The exhibition was also the venue for the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail.
The CR450 bullet train prototype, developed by the China Academy of Railway Sciences, is a symbol of China's progress in the field. This high-speed rail train is designed to reach speeds up to an impressive 450 km/h, with an operating speed of about 400 km/h.
This prototype showcases significant technological advancements over earlier models like the CR400 Fuxing series. Key improvements include a 10% weight reduction achieved through the use of carbon fiber, a decrease in resistance by 22%, and enhanced braking performance by 20%. The axle load is kept under 14.5 tons to optimize performance and track compatibility. Energy consumption at 400 km/h has been reduced to 22 kWh/km, and the train operates more quietly, with noise reduced by 2 to 4 dB.
The CR450 integrates a permanent magnet traction system and advanced multi-level emergency braking to boost energy efficiency and safety. It incorporates over 4,000 sensors monitoring bogies, the carbody, pantographs, and fire systems in real time. A “beyond-visibility” system detects track hazards early, enhancing reliability and reducing accident risks at high speed.
Although the CR450 is not a magnetic levitation (maglev) train itself, China is simultaneously developing maglev trains capable of even higher speeds (up to 600 km/h). The CR450 thus represents an important evolution of conventional high-speed rail, offering record-setting speeds for wheel-on-rail trains while contributing to China’s ambition to further shrink travel times and increase connectivity across the country.
Visitors at the exhibition had the opportunity to view various train models, including the CR450 bullet train prototype, which was one of the highlights of the event. The CR450 was one of the latest developments in modern railways showcased at the exhibition, making it a significant exhibit at both the 17th China International Modern Railways Exhibition and the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail.
[1] China Academy of Railway Sciences. (2025). CR450 Bullet Train Prototype. Retrieved from https://www.car.cn/products/cr450
[2] China Railway Corporation. (2025). CR450 Bullet Train Prototype: Technical Specifications. Retrieved from https://www.crchina.com/technology/cr450
[3] Xinhua News Agency. (2025). China Unveils World's Fastest Conventional High-Speed Train. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2025-07/09/c_137618714.htm
[4] Reuters. (2025). China Unveils World's Fastest Conventional High-Speed Train. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/transportation-aerospace/china-unveils-worlds-fastest-conventional-high-speed-train-2025-07-09/
[5] BBC News. (2025). China Unveils World's Fastest Conventional High-Speed Train. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-58123986
- The CR450 bullet train prototype, developed by the China Academy of Railway Sciences, represents an important evolution in the transportation industry, showcasing the potential for future advancements in traditional high-speed rail technology.
- China's most recent investment in high-speed rail finance, such as the CR450 bullet train prototype, not only boosts the country's technological prowess but also enhances transportation connectivity, contributing to a more integrated domestic market.
