China Rails

Players build rail networks and deliver goods across mainland China and Taiwan on a large, map-based board. Movement and construction use colored crayon lines and route planning; players buy, lay, and upgrade track, then fulfill delivery contracts for payment. Gameplay follows the series’ economic and logistical model with map-specific events and cards that drive demand and encourage expansion westward. Random events tied to regional mechanics influence strategy and timing, while long-term route planning and efficient deliveries determine income and growth.

Players: 2–6 best 3
Playing time: 180–240 min
Age: 10+
Complexity: 2.7 / 5

4.6 on Ludoya from $20.66EconomicTrainsCrayon Rail SystemNetwork and Route BuildingPick-up and Deliver

Play it with Ludoya Where to buy it

About the game

Design: Michael Dreiling
Art: Drew Perkett
Publisher: Mayfair Games

Where to buy it

Shop prices and second-hand copies, checked every day.

Compare all prices in Ludoya

On Ludoya's tables

Full stats in Ludoya

1
In collections

4.6/10

from 1 Ludoya review

Tom4.6
This is not the kind of game I'll pull out to finish out a game night, nor is it one I'll pull off the shelves lightly. When we play this one, we are going to game - and game hard. At the same time, it's not too terribly taxing on the brain, just immensely involving. Because it takes so long to play, it probably won't get played that often; but when it does get played, the time will be memorable. I wouldn't recommend it as the introduction to the series, but it wouldn't be horrible either - just not as good as the others. Still, I enjoyed the game quite a bit and recommend it to anyone who has wanted to start their own train empire. And the geography lesson about China certainly doesn't hurt. See my review for more details...

Read the reviews and rate it