The first railway line in China was a narrow gauge line between Shanghai and Woosung (Wusong). It opened in 1876 but was closed and lifted within two years. The first line to form part of the modern network was the 11km standard gauge (1435 mm) Kaiping Tramway, opened in 1881 as a private mineral line but later expanded to become part of the China Railway Company.
China now has an extensive network of railways serving most parts of the country. It is well known for its continued use of main line steam traction until very recent years, although this is now being phased out.
International connections exist with the broad gauge systems of Mongolia and Russia, and with the standard gauge system of North Korea. A further connection (the Silk Road route) has been proposed between Urumqi and Almaty (Kazakhstan); the line has UN support but final agreement on its construction remains remote.
There is no physical connection with the railway system of Vietnam, but cross-border interchange is possible.
