As one of the busiest transportation hubs of China and the world, Shanghai has a highly developed infrastructure, including an all-round railway system, radiating in all directions. Early in 1876, Shanghai Wusong Railway (later renamed as Songhu Railway), China's first railway, was completed and put into operation. Nowadays, Shanghai has three big railway stations : Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station and Shanghai West Railway Station.

Shanghai Railway Station, located in Zhabei District, to the North of the city centre, is the main station in Shanghai. Everyday, it offers a number of Z trains (non-stop and deluxe trains) to Beijing and T trains (high speed trains that only stop at main stations) with big cities mostly in North and West China as final destinations. Many trains to South China and cities of the Yangtze River Delta depart from Shanghai South Railway Station. In 2007, D trains or the “Harmony”, one series of CRH (China Railway High-speed), were put into service. Entitled “Bullet Trains”, D trains travel at a much higher speed to such big cities as Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou and Hangzhou, saving a lot of time on the way. They also provide much comfortable environment during journey, with cozy coffee bars and small restaurants that serve soft drinks and snacks.

It is quite convenient inside the railway stations. A few Metro lines meet at big interchanges located below the stations. Medium-sized supermarkets, groceries and bookstores are all available there. In recent years, railway stations have gradually become large commercial centers. For example, hotels, shopping malls and restaurants are located just outside Shanghai Railway Station. Moreover, there are English speaking staff members in major ticket offices, providing services to all foreign tourists.