Abstract The sound barrier is the main measure of noise control of high-speed railway in China. This paper analyzes the application status and effect of high-speed railway sound barrier, clarifies the noise reduction effect and main influencing factors of various types of vertical sound barriers used and analyzes the problems existing in the application of vertical sound barrier to high-speed railway in China. The prospects of three aspects of vertical sound barrier optimization, new sound barrier and enhanced noise source control technology are proposed to promote the comprehensive control of high-speed railway noise. Research on high-speed railway noise control technology provides reference.