China's high-speed trains to offer more smart services

China's high-speed trains are expected to offer more smart services as the network continues to be upgraded with Internet technology.

A joint venture was officially launched Thursday by China Railway Investment Co. Ltd, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and Tencent to develop and operate an integrated platform that will provide WiFi services to high-speed rail customers across China.

China Railway Gecent Technology Co. Ltd, with Geely and Tencent taking a combined 49 percent stake, will offer WiFi connection, entertainment and leisure services, news and information, online catering and shopping, and other smart services.

"The integration of high-speed railway networks and the Internet can nurture a digital economy service platform and make trains part of cities' smart transport, tourism and retail," said Tencent board chairman and CEO Pony Ma.

China's high-speed railways exceed a total of 25,000 kilometers and are expected to reach 30,000 by 2020, covering over 80 percent of cities with a population of more than 1 million.