# China Rails

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2007
- **BGG Rating**: 7.1
- **BGG Rank**: #7009
- **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 180-240 min
- **Weight**: 2.73 / 5
- **Designers**: Michael Dreiling
- **Artists**: Drew Perkett
- **Publishers**: Mayfair Games
- **Categories**: Economic, Trains, Transportation
- **Mechanics**: Crayon Rail System, Hexagon Grid, Network and Route Building, Pick-up and Deliver

## Verdict
China Rails is an absolute classic for those who love train games focused on logistics and route building. The experience of drawing your own tracks on the map is nostalgic and highly satisfying, creating a unique network every session. It is a long-haul game, perfect for those who enjoy planning massive routes and dealing with events that shift the game's momentum.Classic and nostalgic experienceDeep strategic logistics planningVast and immersive mapConstant interaction via routesLong and time-consuming sessionsHeavy reliance on long-term planningDated visual styleFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
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.

## FAQ
### How long does a game of China Rails take?
Get ready for a long session! The game usually lasts between 3 to 4 hours, so set aside a full afternoon.

### How many players is it best for?
The game scales from 2 to 6 players. It works well with larger groups, but expect downtime between turns to increase.

### Is it hard to learn?
The complexity is moderate (2.73/5). The rules are intuitive for those familiar with the Empire Builder series, but the logistics planning requires focus.

### Do I need crayons to play?
Yes, the game uses a system of drawing tracks on the board. The game usually comes with the necessary components, just be careful not to smudge the map!

### Does the China map influence strategy much?
Definitely. Distances are vast, and map-specific events, like the Congress event, force you to adapt your strategy toward the west.

### Who is this game for?
It is perfect for players who enjoy classic train games, route building, and don't mind longer play sessions.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 49.28 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=1386376&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/3663/china-rails?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com