Since the first HSR in the world: the Japan Shinkansen Railway operated since 1964, HSR has 60 years of history. More and more countries have started to construct HSR and currently, China is the leader in HSR construction and has the largest HSR network in the world. However, the Chinese HSR network has not covered all necessary regions compared with its vast area and large population.With the boom of the plan and construction of HSR worldwide, more and more researchers have already focused on the localization of HSR. The relevant research predominantly focuses on China, Turkey, and Southern Europe. Nevertheless, most of the research just considered large cities and large metropolitan areas and ignored poorer areas, strengthening the imbalance of HSR in space nationwide.In this case, this study applied the GIS-based AHP method with the PEST analysis to analyze the case of Hanzhong-Bazhong HSR from construction, society, and the environment with 13 sub-criteria. This HSR was selected as the case since it is located in the Qin-Ba mountainous area, which is known as one of the poorest residence areas of Han people in China. Moreover, there are more than 2.5 million population in Bazhong Prefecture-Level Municipality (PLM) but there is a lack of HSR to connect with other places.Three alternatives were selected through primary analysis. All data was acquired from web pages and some of them were analyzed by GIS and the Saaty Scale. Three experts were invited to give weights to these criteria. In this case, pairwise comparison metrics of the weights were constructed. Weights were modified after consistency tests. Eventually, alternative 3 acquired the highest score.Alternative 3, which is from Bazhong East Station to Hanzhong Station via Bazhou District, Tongjiang County, Nanjiang County, Nanzheng District, and Hantai District, was selected as the suggestion plan. The rationality of this result was further clarified by the PEST analysis as well.This study can facilitate the design and plan of Hanzhong-Bazhong HSR. In addition, this study can help decision-makers give the optimal suggestion for the localization of the HSR, especially in a poorer region by identifying relevant criteria and weights. Based on this, this study will be helpful for promoting regional economic development and facilitating travel for local residents, which promotes the sustainable development of this region and contributes to sustainable transport.