All aboard as nation fast-tracks its progress

Since moving from Edinburgh to Beijing last June, I have become a regular traveler on China's high-speed rail network, being bulleted from the capital at up to 300 km per hour to cities including Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan and Xi'an.

The HSR system is impeccable. Sleek carriages glide in and out of space-age stations with little delay. Crisply uniformed staff are there to help with every whim. Legroom is generous and the toilets flush perfectly.

Standard rail services for many perhaps - but a joy for someone used to British rail travel.