China Rails

If you are a fan of the Empire Builder series, China Rails is exactly what you would expect: a massive map, a handful of crayons, and plenty of railroad strategy. Set in the People's Republic of China and Taiwan, your goal is to connect cities, build tracks, and, of course, make deliveries that pay off. Unlike more modern, tighter games, this offers a classic 'old school' experience. You draw your rail network directly onto the board, which provides a very satisfying sense of conquering territory as the rounds progress.

The gameplay follows the series' classic pattern: you pick up goods at one location, plan the most efficient—or least costly—route, and deliver to another destination. The challenge here is the vast map; to secure the biggest payouts, you will need to venture out toward the west, which requires sharp logistics planning. Additionally, the game introduces unique thematic events, such as the Congress event, which add a bit of flavor and force you to adapt your strategy mid-game.

Do not expect a 60-minute session. China Rails is a long-haul experience, built for those who enjoy settling in at a large table and diving into long-term planning. It shines through its mechanical simplicity while hiding immense strategic depth, especially when you realize your path is blocking an opponent's or that someone is dominating a lucrative route. If you enjoy train games with that classic feel, where the board is your canvas and every drawn track tells a story, this title is a perfect fit. It is an excellent choice for groups who do not mind the longer playtime and want a robust, immersive network-building experience.