Trips of China-Laos High Speed Railway surpass 38 millions

[Hussain]

Shanghai Hongqiao HSR rail yard​

 

[Beijingwalker]

 

[Beijingwalker]

Laos Falling Into China's Debt Trap? | Vantage With Palki Sharma

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[Beijingwalker]

China-Laos Railway handles more than 10 million tons of goods since opening

In the first eight months of 2024, the line’s total freight volume was up 22.8 percent year-on-year at 3.58 million tons, valued at 12.38 billion yuan, a rise of 56 percent. ANN/Vientiane Times Vientiane Sat, September 21, 2024

China-Laos Railway handles more than 10 million tons of goods since opening - Economy - The Jakarta Post

In the first eight months of 2024, the line’s total freight volume was up 22.8 percent year-on-year at 3.58 million tons, valued at 12.38 billion yuan, a rise of 56 percent.

www.thejakartapost.com

 

[Beijingwalker]

Laos-China Railway: Travelling over 1,000 kilometres by train from Vientiane to Kunming​

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Jun 13, 2025
The launch of the Laos-China Railway in 2021 has sparked new interest in rail travel among ASEAN member countries.
It has also helped to boost tourism significantly in Southeast Asia. From Thailand to Laos and across the border to China, CNA's Melissa Goh travels more than 1,000 kilometres by rail

 

[Beijingwalker]

For a country like Lao with a GDP of 15 billion, they have spent $ 6 billion on this project. but the funny part is $3.6 billion of it is a loan from a chinese bank by Lao. Another $480 million is contributed by the Laon government, which in turn again took a loan from Chinese Bank. net, Lao took $4 billion loan for a single project, which is 27% of its GDP..

with a rate of return on investment of 4.65% on the total investment for the project vs interest payment for the loan + Operations cost of the projects, only God, XI and our friend @Beijingwalker would know how good is the project for the Laon people..

)

China-Laos Railway Surpasses Around Sixty Million Passengers, Strengthening Cross-Border Connectivity and Economic Growth​

Published on September 22, 2025

China-Laos Railway has surpassed around sixty million passengers, a significant milestone that underscores its growing importance in enhancing cross-border connectivity between China and Laos. Since its launch in December 2021, the railway has facilitated smoother, more efficient travel, making it a vital link for both domestic and international tourists. This achievement not only reflects the increasing demand for cross-border travel but also highlights the railway’s role in stimulating economic growth and regional integration. By connecting major cities such as Kunming and Vientiane, the railway has bolstered trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, contributing to stronger economic ties between the two nations and supporting broader regional development under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The railway has seen a remarkable increase in international travelers. The China Railway Kunming Group Co., the organization overseeing the project, reports that 83,000 passenger trains have been operated, welcoming over 580,000 visitors from around the globe. A significant number of these passengers have used the service to travel to Laos’ capital, Vientiane, explore the scenic landscapes of Yunnan Province in China, or delve into the rich cultural heritage of both nations. This growing traffic underscores the China-Laos Railway’s role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening economic links between the two countries.

Part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative, the 1,035-kilometer railway spans from Kunming in China’s Yunnan Province to Vientiane in Laos, improving access between two regions with strong historical, cultural, and economic ties. Its completion has heralded a new era of regional integration, providing more efficient routes for trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Over time, the railway has not only boosted local economies but has also become a symbol of China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia.

The railway’s contribution to tourism is particularly notable. In 2025, the China-Laos Railway recorded 14.5 million passenger trips, a 3.2% year-on-year increase. Of those, 11.9 million were on the Chinese section, with 2.6 million on the Laotian segment. These figures represent a steady rise in demand for cross-border travel, reflecting both the railway’s success and its integral role in regional tourism. The volume of passengers traveling along the railway has grown progressively, with monthly ridership increasing from an initial 600,000 to more than 1.6 million passengers across the entire route.

One of the major areas of growth has been in the frequency of train services. On the Chinese section, the number of daily passenger trains has increased dramatically—from 8 trains per day in the early stages to a peak of 86 trains. The Laotian section has also experienced similar growth, with services expanding from 4 to 18 daily trains. These increases have allowed the railway to carry over 48.6 million passengers, offering a reliable and attractive travel option for tourists exploring the region.

To meet the increasing demand, authorities in China and Laos have implemented several initiatives to make international travel more seamless. These include offering foreign bank card payments, allowing cash withdrawals in Chinese yuan, and enhancing the ticketing systems for international passengers. Additionally, online booking and payment options have been expanded, making it easier for travelers to secure tickets in advance. These improvements have helped to streamline travel, particularly for visitors from outside the region, contributing to the railway’s growing popularity.

In response to surging demand, the number of cross-border passenger seats has increased significantly, from an initial 250 to 420 per train. Additionally, the number of daily border crossings has grown, with the peak now reaching 1,300 entries and exits. This growth is a clear indication of the railway’s success in facilitating international travel and expanding opportunities for cultural and economic exchanges between China and Laos.

The expansion of the China-Laos Railway comes at a time when China’s visa-free policies are helping to stimulate tourism in Southeast Asia. As more travelers gain easy access to Laos and China, the railway has become an even more attractive option for tourists seeking efficient and comfortable travel between the two countries. In particular, the railway links popular tourist destinations, including Kunming and Xishuangbanna in China, and Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos. These locations are renowned for their cultural richness, stunning natural landscapes, and unique culinary experiences, making the railway an essential link for tourists eager to explore the best of both nations.

China-Laos Railway has surpassed around sixty million passengers, marking a key milestone in enhancing cross-border connectivity. This growth highlights its vital role in boosting tourism, trade, and economic development between China and Laos.

The China-Laos Railway has firmly established itself as a “golden route” connecting China with Southeast Asia. It offers travelers a smooth and enjoyable journey, while also serving as a vital artery for economic, cultural, and social exchanges. The convenience and speed of the railway, combined with its cultural and scenic offerings, have made it a popular choice for both domestic and international travelers. As the railway continues to expand, its role in enhancing regional connectivity and supporting economic growth will only continue to grow. The project stands as a powerful example of how infrastructure can foster lasting bonds between countries and contribute to shared prosperity.

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/china-laos-railway-surpasses-around-sixty-million-passengers-strengthening-cross-border-connectivity-and-economic-growth/

 

[Beijingwalker]

Laos-China railway gets closer to regional link as Thailand advances high-speed rail expansion​

Once Thailand’s high-speed railway is completed, the long-envisioned rail connection between China, Laos, and Thailand is expected to become a reality, creating a more efficient transport corridor for passengers and freight, while supporting regional economic integration.

Souksakhone Vaenkeo​

Vientiane Times

Passengers board a train at Vientiane Station on the Laos-China Railway. The cross-border railway is a step closer to connecting with the Thailand-China rail network. PHOTO: THE VIENTIANE TIMES

August 4, 2026

VIENTIANE – The Laos-China Railway is a step closer to being connected with Thailand’s railway system after the Thai government announced plans to open bidding in December for the second phase of the Thai–Chinese high-speed railway, extending the line to Nong Khai on the Lao border.

According to The Nation, the Thai government will invite bids for eight civil works contracts covering the 357.12-km second phase between Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed in 2031, allowing the high-speed rail line to extend from Bangkok to Nong Khai.

The development represents another step towards linking Thailand’s railway network with the Laos-China Railway, a move expected to strengthen regional transport, trade and tourism while advancing the long-term vision of a 3,900-km Pan-Asian railway corridor connecting Kunming in southeast China with Singapore via Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Thailand is also making steady progress on the first phase of the project between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima. Overall construction has reached 55.27 percent, with the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima section scheduled to open in 2030.

The latest announcement follows renewed calls by Chinese President Xi Jinping to accelerate the connection of the China-Laos-Thailand railway.

During talks with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Beijing in June, President Xi emphasised the need for faster development of the China-Laos-Thailand railway to deliver greater regional connectivity at an earlier date, according to China Daily.

Lao and Thai authorities have been working together on plans to build a new railway-dedicated bridge across the Mekong in parallel with the existing First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which currently carries both road and rail traffic, according to a previous report.

The proposed bridge will feature dual tracks: a standard-gauge line linking the Thailand-China high-speed railway with the Laos-China Railway, and a metre-gauge line connecting Thailand’s existing railway network with the Laos–Thailand railway, which is already in operation.

The growing success of the Laos-China Railway, which began operation in December 2021, has reinforced confidence in the broader regional railway project.

Official data showed that annual cargo volume nearly doubled, rising from 12.47 million tonnes in 2022 to 24.48 million tonnes in 2025, Xinhua reported.

In the first six months of this year, the Laos-China Railway transported more than 400,000 cross-border passengers and over 600,000 tonnes of cross-border freight, according to the railway operator.

Once Thailand’s high-speed railway reaches Nong Khai and the new cross-border rail bridge is completed, the long-envisioned rail connection between China, Laos and Thailand is expected to become a reality, creating a more efficient transport corridor for passengers and freight while supporting regional economic integration.

Laos-China railway gets closer to regional link as Thailand advances high-speed rail expansion

Once Thailand’s high-speed railway is completed, the long-envisioned rail connection between China, Laos, and Thailand is expected to become a reality, creating a more efficient transport corridor for passengers and freight, while supporting regional economic integration.

asianews.network

 

[ST1976]

Can't-miss attractions along the China-Laos bullet train route: China section, Xishuangbanna, Lonely Planet's top 10 regions to visit

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The launch of the new rail route not only made traveling between the two popular tourist cities much more convenient, but it also linked other destinations worthy of a visit along the way.

The Chinese section, which stretches for some 508 kilometers, will start from Kunming in the north and pass the cities of Yuxi and Pu'er, as well as Xishuangbanna Thai Autonomous Prefecture, on its way south.

Sitting inside the train carriage and simply admiring the scenery from the window will be one way to enjoy the journey, but getting off the train and diving into the beautiful nature and local ethnic cultures will make your trip an even more memorable one.

Xishuangbanna, one of the eight autonomous prefectures in southwest China's Yunnan Province, has made it to the list of Lonely Planet's top 10 regions to visit in 2022.

Now trips to Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture is more accessible with the bullet train service. Along with neighboring Myanmar and Laos, the exotic region is best known for dense tropical rain-forests and distinct ethnic culture.