The Role of China’s Railway Development in Promoting Regional Economic Integration: A Case Study of the Three Northeastern Provinces

Abstract

The railway system in China’s Northeast has expanded rapidly in recent years, becoming a critical component of the region’s economic infrastructure. This rapid development is of great significance because it enhances accessibility and provides new momentum for the region’s economic revitalization. Taking the three Northeastern provinces—Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang—as a case study, this paper analyzes how railway development promotes regional economic integration. The study applies document analysis and case studies of representative railway projects, such as the Harbin–Dalian High-Speed Railway and the Shenyang–Baishan High-Speed Railway. The findings indicate that enhanced railway accessibility significantly reduces travel time and transport costs, strengthens intercity linkages, and stimulates industrial transformation along major railway corridors. Railway development has not only improved transport efficiency but also facilitated the integration of markets and resources across provinces. It further contributes to upgrading the industrial structure by attracting investment and talent. Overall, railway expansion emerges as a key driver of regional economic integration in Northeast China, with clear implications for balanced and sustainable development.