China’s transportation infrastructure has demonstrated remarkable expansion and technological advancement throughout 2025, with officials from the Ministry of Transport announcing unprecedented growth across multiple sectors. With fixed-asset investments projected to exceed 3.6 trillion yuan ($512.2 billion), the nation has strengthened its position as a global leader in transport infrastructure development.
Vice-Minister of Transport Li Yang confirmed the sector’s exceptional performance during a year-end press briefing in Beijing, highlighting the addition of approximately 2,000 kilometers of high-speed rail and 8,000 kilometers of expressways. These developments occurred despite complex operational challenges, with all major annual targets successfully met.
The statistical overview reveals substantial increases in transport activity: cross-regional passenger journeys are expected to surpass 66 billion, while commercial freight volume approaches 58 billion metric tons—both reflecting a 3.5 percent year-on-year growth that aligns with national economic expansion. Port operations showed particularly strong performance, with foreign trade container throughput rising by 9.6 percent and international air cargo surging by 20 percent.
Peak travel periods set new benchmarks, with the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush recording 9 billion passenger trips and the National Day holiday witnessing over 2.4 billion journeys within eight days. Urban transit networks now serve 54 cities with more than 11,000 kilometers of metro lines, facilitating over 90 million daily passenger trips.
Technological innovation emerged as a central theme, with the implementation of national guidelines for artificial intelligence integration in transport systems and the launch of a large-model initiative. Digital transformation has upgraded approximately 1,700 kilometers of expressways and 2,200 road and waterway facilities, while 60 automated container and bulk cargo terminals became operational nationwide.
Reflecting on the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), officials noted total transport investments reached 18.8 trillion yuan, enabling landmark projects including the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link and major Yangtze River crossings. The period also saw enhanced international connectivity through the China-Laos Railway, Heihe cross-border bridge, and Chancay Port in Peru.
Looking forward to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the ministry plans to accelerate development of an integrated modern transport system with emphasis on digitalization, green transition, and safety. Major projects including the Shiziyang Link, Zhangjinggao Yangtze River Bridge, and Shanghai East Railway Station are scheduled for completion during this period.