12th World High-Speed Rail Congress opens in Beijing, showcasing global advancement

Attendees participate in the opening ceremony of the 12th World High-Speed Rail Conference at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, July 8, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail opened at the China National Convention Center in Beijing on July 8, bringing together more than 2,000 participants from over 60 countries and regions to showcase advancements and foster international cooperation in high-speed rail technology.

Jointly hosted by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (CR) and the International Union of Railways (UIC), the event runs until July 11under the theme "High-Speed Rail: Innovation and Development for a Better Life."

The opening ceremony featured addresses from UIC and CR leaders on global and Chinese high-speed rail development. Participants, including representatives from countries with newly established high-speed rail networks, engaged in a themed discussion titled "HSR New Frontiers." The opening ceremony also marked the inauguration of the Modern Railways 2025 exhibition. The exhibition, spanning nearly 40,000 square meters across the China National Convention Center and the National Railway Test Center, features 521 enterprises from 14 countries and regions, including CR, CRRC, Siemens and Huawei.

A bilingual "China High-Speed Rail" publication and official mascots "Fufu" and "Xinxin" were also unveiled at the event.