When traveling between cities, how should one choose between high-speed rail and airplanes?
Medium-distance (2–5 hours by train) high-speed rail is the most balanced: it has a high on-time rate, goes from city to city, and doesn't require security checks or advance waiting at the airport. For long distances or routes with complex terrain (Chengdu—Jiuzhaigou, Beijing—Dunhuang, entering Tibet), flights can save a lot of time. Note that flights to high-altitude and remote airports are infrequent and easily affected by weather, so itineraries should allow for flexibility.
For medium-distance travel (2–5 hours by car), high-speed rail is the most balanced option: high punctuality, city center to city center, no security checks or early airport waiting. For long-distance or geographically complex routes (Chengdu—Jiuzhaigou, Beijing—Dunhuang, entering Tibet), flights can save a lot of time. Note that schedules at high-altitude and remote airports are limited and easily affected by weather, so itineraries should have some flexibility.