China | June 2025 — In a remarkable feat of endurance, precision, and love for railways, a passionate train enthusiast from China has etched his name into the record books by traveling an astonishing 5,000+ kilometers in just 24 hours, becoming the first person in the world to achieve such a journey by passenger rail in a single day.
Mr. Liu Wei, a 34-year-old railway enthusiast and logistics analyst from Guangzhou, embarked on this whirlwind rail adventure across China’s vast and high-speed train network. Starting his journey at Beijing South Railway Station, Liu meticulously planned and boarded a series of high-speed trains (CRH and Fuxing series), traversing through major cities like Shanghai, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Nanning, and Chengdu, and returning via alternate routes — all without stepping outside the rail system.
Liu used a combination of bullet train segments, strategic transfers, and tight layovers to accumulate the staggering distance, averaging over 208 km per hour throughout the 24-hour period.
“This wasn’t just about the record — it was about celebrating the efficiency, speed, and beauty of China’s rail network,” Liu stated after completing his final leg. “I’ve loved trains since childhood, and this was my way of pushing the limits of what’s possible on tracks.”
His record-breaking ride has been verified by a national record certifying authority, with all GPS data, ticket stubs, and train timings documented.
The attempt also highlights the global admiration for China’s high-speed rail infrastructure, which spans more than 45,000 km and continues to evolve as one of the world’s most advanced transportation systems.
Liu now hopes his achievement will inspire more people to explore rail travel and understand its potential in sustainable, efficient mobility.
