The China Railway CRH2 is a series of high-speed electric multiple unit (EMU) trains operated by China Railway and developed as part of the China Railway High-speed (CRH) program. The CRH2 series is based on the E2-1000 series Shinkansen technology from Japan, which was licensed and subsequently adapted for use in China through a technology transfer agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The initial units were manufactured by Kawasaki in Japan, with subsequent production carried out domestically by CSR Sifang (now part of CRRC Qingdao Sifang) in China.
The CRH2 has several sub-variants, including the CRH2A, CRH2B, CRH2C, and CRH2E, differing in formation length, seating configuration, and performance specifications. The CRH2A, for example, is an 8-car configuration designed for speeds up to 250 km/h (155 mph), while the CRH2C was developed to achieve higher operational speeds, reaching up to 300–350 km/h (186–217 mph) on designated routes.
These trains are primarily deployed on high-speed rail lines across eastern and central China, including routes such as the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway and the Shanghai–Hangzhou High-Speed Railway. The CRH2 series played a significant role in the early expansion of China's high-speed rail network and contributed to the domestic development of high-speed train manufacturing capabilities.
Over time, many CRH2 units have undergone upgrades or modifications to enhance reliability, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort. While originally based on Japanese Shinkansen technology, later versions incorporated increasing levels of localized design and components, reflecting China's broader strategy of technological indigenization in railway transportation.