Since when do the Chinese build stations outside of the city? I can pick from any 4 stations all centrally located in Shanghai, and get off the train after 4 hours in the heart of Beijing and be in my hotel in 15 minutes.
The same goes for any city.
Chinese build airports outside of the city.
If I would do the same trip with flights, I need travel 1 hour to the airport, be there 1 hour before, 2 hour flight, land 1 hour outside of Beijing. That’s 5 hours if all goes smooth. This is why high speed rail is the preferred option to travel. Especially if you can afford business class.
Since when do the Chinese build stations outside of the city? I can pick from any 4 stations all centrally located in Shanghai, and get off the train after 4 hours in the heart of Beijing and be in my hotel in 15 minutes. The same goes for any city. Chinese build airports outside of the city. If I would do the same trip with flights, I need travel 1 hour to the airport, be there 1 hour before, 2 hour flight, land 1 hour outside of Beijing. That’s 5 hours if all goes smooth. This is why high speed rail is the preferred option to travel. Especially if you can afford business class.
Shanghai station is north of downtown, most HSR goes into Hongqiao anyway.