This study carefully analyzes the spatio-temporal development and spatial configurations of China’s high-speed rail (HSR) network from its origin to 2024, emphasizing infrastructure growth, regional allocation, and operational efficacy. The research employs a multi-scalar analytical framework, encompassing national, regional, and urban levels, to integrate geographic, economic, and policy views, therefore elucidating the development rationale and equitable ramifications of HSR implementation. Significant findings reveal a distinct core–periphery structure in infrastructure distribution and service frequency, with eastern and central regions prevailing in absolute terms, although western and northeastern regions demonstrate greater efficiency when accounting for economic and demographic variables. The paper emphasizes problems of resource misallocation, regional inequality, and the dual function of HSR as an economic driver and a mechanism for spatial integration. These insights enhance comprehension of large-scale transportation infrastructure design and its socio-economic effects in developing economies.