ExFunCity News | Anwar China High-Speed Rail: First Ride to Hangzhou

The Anwar China high-speed rail journey became one of the highlights of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s latest working visit to China. On September 23, 2026, Anwar travelled by high-speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou, marking the first time he had personally experienced China’s high-speed rail network.

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Anwar boarded the high-speed train at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station together with members of the Malaysian delegation and Malaysian media representatives.

The Anwar China high-speed rail trip covered approximately 160 kilometres from Shanghai to Hangzhou and took about 45 minutes. The journey gave the Malaysian delegation a firsthand look at the speed, convenience and connectivity of China’s modern public transport infrastructure.

The train ride was part of Anwar’s three-day working visit covering Shanghai and Hangzhou, which began on September 22. The visit focuses on strengthening Malaysia-China relations, trade, investment and cooperation in emerging technologies.

Anwar’s First High-Speed Rail Ride in China

Although Anwar has visited China several times, he confirmed that this was his first experience riding a high-speed train in the country.

He told Malaysian media that he had previously experienced high-speed rail in Japan and had also travelled on the Eurostar between Paris and London many years ago.

During the Anwar China high-speed rail journey, he highlighted the service, speed and convenience of the system, describing the overall experience positively.

What Does This Mean for Malaysia?

The experience naturally raised questions about Malaysia’s own rail infrastructure.

When asked about high-speed rail development, Anwar pointed first to the ongoing East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. He said any future rail consideration would need to take into account factors such as cost, implementation timelines and Malaysia’s wider development priorities.

The 665km ECRL is designed to connect Kota Bharu on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia with Port Klang on the west coast.

Anwar stressed that infrastructure planning must also be balanced against other national needs, including improvements to schools and public facilities.

Current China Visit

The Shanghai-Hangzhou journey forms part of Anwar’s fourth visit to China since becoming Prime Minister in 2022.

His programme includes meetings with Chinese business leaders, participation in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 and engagements linked to the Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou. A bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang is also part of the visit.

What Comes Next

Following the Anwar China high-speed rail experience, attention will turn to Malaysia-China discussions on infrastructure, digital trade, investment and technology cooperation.

For Malaysian travellers and transport followers, the Shanghai-Hangzhou ride also offered a closer look at how China connects major cities through fast intercity rail.

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