Not gonna lie, the high speed rail system in China is pretty cool. Ridden it several times while on business there, including for fairly long hauls. The bullet trains go about 160-200+mph. Never had any delays at all. There are three seating classes, business, first, and, second (from highest to lowest). In business, you get a seat that fully reclines. The first class seats are pretty wide and spacious too.
Anyway, China was able to build it out quickly because, well, the gov't owns all the land. Not having to worry about property rights makes things easier (not saying that's a good thing AT ALL). Also, the system apparently loses billions each year. That being said, it appears to be efficient and otherwise well-run. Beijing to Shanghai in 4 hours, 18 minutes for about $80.