Hong Kong Expands High-Speed Rail Network to 16 New Mainland Destinations

Transformative Expansion Links Hong Kong to Cultural and Economic Hubs Across China

Hong Kong is set to significantly enhance its connectivity with mainland China through a major expansion of the high-speed rail network. The MTR Corporation announced that direct high-speed rail access to 16 new mainland destinations will commence from January 26, offering travelers unprecedented opportunities to explore cultural treasures and economic centers across the country. This landmark development brings the total number of direct-access destinations from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to 110, marking a significant milestone in cross-border transportation integration.

The expansion encompasses key regions including the Yangtze River Delta and Guangdong province, strategically connecting Hong Kong to some of China’s most historically significant and economically vibrant cities. Among the new destinations are Nanjing and Wuxi in Jiangsu province, as well as Hefei in Anhui province, each offering unique cultural experiences and business opportunities for travelers from Hong Kong.

Jeny Yeung, chief executive officer of MTR Corporation, emphasized the collaborative effort behind this expansion.

“MTR has worked closely with government departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the mainland, as well as mainland railway authorities, to continuously add new destinations and enhance services, further facilitating cross-boundary travel, unlocking the economic potential of high-speed rail, and supporting national development.”

The public response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with tickets for several classes of seats on trains to the newly added destinations selling out rapidly on the first day of sales. Business-class seats on the train to Nanjing South on January 26, priced at HK$3,136 (US$402.40), were sold out by the afternoon, while only seven first-class seats remained at HK$1,628. This strong demand underscores the pent-up desire for travel and the importance of convenient cross-border connections for both business and leisure purposes.

New Destinations Open Doors to Cultural Riches and Economic Opportunities

The 16 new destinations represent a carefully curated selection of cities that offer compelling reasons for Hong Kong residents to visit. In Jiangsu province, travelers can now experience the ancient capital of Nanjing, renowned as the capital of the “Six Dynasties” and possessing profound historical and cultural significance. Visitors can enjoy a night cruise along the Qinhuai River, savor the famous salted duck, or visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to admire its grand architecture and unique blend of ancient and modern charm.

Wuxi, also in Jiangsu province, is known as the “Pearl of Taihu Lake” and is easily accessible by high-speed rail. This city offers a relaxing tour of Jiangnan’s picturesque waterways, making it an attractive destination for those seeking respite from Hong Kong’s bustling urban environment. The addition of these two cities provides direct access to the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, one of China’s most economically powerful and culturally rich regions.

In Anhui province, Hefei awaits visitors with its rich heritage related to Bao Zheng (known as “Lord Bao”) and its Three Kingdoms history. Travelers can visit Bao Gong Park to learn about his legacy of honesty and integrity, or stroll through Binhu Wetland Park to enjoy peaceful lakeside and mountain scenery. These destinations are all included in the “Individual Visit Scheme,” making them easily accessible for Hong Kong tourists.

Guangdong Expansion Strengthens Regional Integration

The Guangdong province expansion adds nine new stops: Qingyuan, Huidong, Huizhou South, Shantou South, Huilai, Lufeng East, Lufeng South, Chaonan and Xingning South. These destinations enhance connectivity within the Greater Bay Area, strengthening economic and social ties between Hong Kong and neighboring Guangdong cities. The addition of Qingyuan is particularly significant as it further integrates the Greater Bay Area transportation network, making regional travel more seamless and efficient.

This expansion builds upon earlier additions to the network, including the Zhanjiangxi route introduced in October which connects Hong Kong to five destinations in Guangdong province. These included Jiangmen, one of the 11 cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as Kaiping South, Yangjiang, Maoming and Zhanjiang West in western Guangdong. With these additions, Hong Kong’s high-speed rail network coverage has expanded to include direct access to seven major cities in the Greater Bay Area: Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhaoqing, Foshan, Dongguan, Huizhou and Jiangmen.

The expansion to Guangdong destinations holds special significance due to the deep historical ties between Hong Kong and the region. Jeny Yeung, Hong Kong transport services director of MTR Corp, noted that overseas Chinese communities in Jiangmen and Kaiping areas have deep ties with many Hong Kong residents and overseas Chinese. She added that Jiangmen has a national-level high-tech industrial development zone as well as several youth innovation and entrepreneurship bases, making it attractive for business travelers as well as tourists.

Shanghai Sleeper Train Upgraded to Daily Service

In response to strong demand, the MTR Corporation has announced a significant upgrade to the sleeper train service to Shanghai’s Hongqiao station. Previously operating with four pairs of trains per week from Friday to Monday, the service will now run daily, offering travelers greater flexibility in planning their journeys to China’s financial capital.

The sleeper train provides a convenient “depart in the evening, arrive in the morning” experience, allowing passengers to maximize their time at their destination while arriving refreshed and ready to begin their activities. Some trains will also make stops at Nanchangdong and Ganzhouxi stations, offering additional connectivity options for travelers heading to different regions.

This upgrade reflects the growing popularity of overnight rail travel as an alternative to air travel for medium-distance journeys. The enhanced service reduces the need for overnight accommodation and provides a comfortable and efficient way to travel between Hong Kong and Shanghai, two of Asia’s most important financial centers.

The sleeper train service has been highly popular since its launch, and the upgrade to daily departures demonstrates the MTR’s commitment to meeting passenger demand and enhancing the overall travel experience. With trains departing every day of the week, business travelers and tourists can enjoy more convenient scheduling options without being constrained to weekends or specific days.

Enhanced Services to Popular Destinations

Beyond the new destinations and sleeper train upgrades, the MTR Corporation has implemented several other service enhancements to improve the overall high-speed rail experience. Trains between Hong Kong and Guangzhounan Station will see increased frequency, with some trains previously terminating at Futian or Shenzhenbei Station now extended to Guangzhounan. This brings the total number of daily train pairs between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Guangzhounan Station to 37, significantly improving connectivity to Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province.

The journey to Guangzhounan takes as little as 47 minutes, making it a preferred choice for many travelers heading to Guangzhou for business or leisure. The increased frequency will provide more options for travelers, reduce waiting times, and make cross-border travel more convenient than ever before. This enhancement is particularly important given Guangzhou’s status as a major commercial and transportation hub in southern China.

Services to Chaoshan, Xiamen and Fuzhou have also been enhanced. Trains between Shantou and Hong Kong West Kowloon Station will increase to five pairs daily, with some services stopping at new stations including Huiyangdong, Lufengdong and Shantounan. Additionally, one of the three pairs of trains that currently operate daily between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Xiamen will be extended to Fuzhou, making travel to eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian even more convenient.

Record-Breaking Network Connects Hong Kong to China’s Vast Territory

Following these service enhancements, the High Speed Rail now offers 106 pairs of long-haul, short-haul and sleeper trains daily. On Fridays, Sundays and Mondays, the number rises to 107 pairs, and up to 109 pairs on Saturdays, providing travelers with exceptional flexibility and convenience for every trip.

This extensive network places Hong Kong firmly within China’s massive high-speed rail infrastructure, which is the world’s longest and has the highest ridership. China’s high-speed rail network accounts for roughly two-thirds of the world’s total and has expanded to more than 50,000 kilometers in operational length, extending to all provincial-level administrative divisions and the Hong Kong SAR.

The high-speed rail system in China is divided into different categories of trains. G-series trains are the fastest and most common, operating at speeds up to about 350 km/h on dedicated high-speed lines. D-series trains usually run at 200-250 km/h, while C-series trains serve short intercity routes, typically 200-350 km/h. This variety of train types allows the network to serve different travel needs efficiently, from short hops between neighboring cities to long-distance travel across provinces.

The integration of Hong Kong into this vast network has profound implications for the city’s relationship with mainland China. It facilitates business connections, promotes tourism, strengthens family ties, and contributes to the economic integration of the Greater Bay Area region. The ability to reach 110 destinations directly from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station represents a transformation in how Hong Kong residents and visitors can experience mainland China.

Post-Pandemic Recovery Marks New Chapter for Cross-Border Travel

The latest expansion comes as Hong Kong continues its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted cross-border travel for nearly three years. High-speed rail services between Hong Kong and mainland China resumed on January 15, 2023, after being suspended on January 31, 2020. The resumption marked an important milestone in the Hong Kong government’s policy for gradual boundary reopening and the return to normality.

During the pandemic years, the absence of convenient cross-border travel options created significant challenges for families divided by border restrictions, businesses reliant on mainland connections, and the tourism industry. The resumption of services was met with excitement and relief from passengers eager to reconnect with family, friends, and business partners on the mainland. One passenger, Mang Lee, 33, who was among dozens going through border checks at Hong Kong’s West Kowloon station before boarding trains, expressed the sentiment of many travelers.

“The resumption of the high-speed railway has made it very convenient for us and has brought us closer to home. For the past three years, due to the pandemic, it has not been easy to enter China in any way.”

Initially, only short journeys were available, with long-haul services gradually being reintroduced. The current expansion represents the full restoration and enhancement of pre-pandemic services, demonstrating the resilience of the cross-border transportation network and the strong demand for connectivity between Hong Kong and mainland China.

The post-pandemic period has also seen improvements to the travel experience at West Kowloon Station. Ticketing systems have been upgraded significantly, with e-tickets replacing paper tickets. These are linked to travel documentation, enabling passengers to pass through gates and board trains with just their travel document, replicating the efficient system used across the Chinese high-speed network.

Visa-Free Transit Policy Boosts International Travel Appeal

Adding to the convenience of the expanded high-speed rail network, China’s National Immigration Administration confirmed that the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit program has been extended to include the cross-border West Kowloon high-speed rail terminus. This policy, effective from November 6, allows travelers from 55 eligible countries to fly into Hong Kong or arrive by high-speed train, cross the border at the new port, and spend up to 10 days anywhere in 24 mainland provinces before departing to a third country.

This policy change opens new itinerary options for international travelers transiting through Hong Kong. They can now schedule multi-city tours of southern China without securing a full visa in advance, making it easier to experience destinations like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and the newly accessible cities of Nanjing, Wuxi, and Hefei. Hong Kong tourism officials hope to capture more stop-over traffic and position the city as the gateway for “visa-free China short breaks.”

For corporate travel managers and business travelers, this change simplifies planning for trips that include both Hong Kong and mainland China destinations. While the scheme waives the visa requirement, travelers must carry an onward ticket dated within 240 hours and complete a brief arrival form. Business activities such as meetings and site visits are permitted, making this an attractive option for international business travelers.

Economic Integration and Tourism Growth

The expansion of the high-speed rail network is expected to have significant economic benefits for both Hong Kong and the newly connected mainland destinations. Improved accessibility facilitates business exchanges, encourages tourism, and strengthens economic ties between Hong Kong and mainland cities.

For Hong Kong, enhanced connectivity to major mainland economic centers supports the city’s role as an international financial hub by improving access to markets, suppliers, and business partners across China. The ability to travel quickly and conveniently to cities like Nanjing, with its strong industrial base, and Hefei, which has developed into a major technology and manufacturing center, opens new opportunities for Hong Kong businesses.

For the mainland destinations, direct connections from Hong Kong bring in tourists, business visitors, and potential investors. Cities like Nanjing and Wuxi, with their rich cultural heritage and modern economic development, are particularly well-positioned to benefit from increased visitor numbers from Hong Kong and international travelers using Hong Kong as a gateway.

The Guangdong destinations included in the expansion strengthen the economic integration of the Greater Bay Area, one of China’s most important economic regions. Improved rail connections make it easier for people to live in one city and work in another, facilitate the flow of goods and services, and help create a more unified regional economy. This aligns with national development plans that seek to enhance the competitiveness of the Greater Bay Area as a global economic center.

Technical Infrastructure Behind the Expansion

The successful implementation of this network expansion relies on sophisticated infrastructure and technology. China’s high-speed rail system utilizes advanced track technology to allow trains to operate safely at high speeds. A key innovation is the widespread use of ballastless tracks, which replace the traditional gravel base with a solid concrete slab. These tracks provide a smoother ride, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and can handle frequent, heavy train traffic.

West Kowloon Station itself represents a remarkable feat of engineering. As the world’s largest underground station, it serves as the hub for Hong Kong’s high-speed rail network. The station has five floors, with G1, B1, and B2 levels serving as floor-level lobbies, ticket booths, and arrival concourses respectively. It is well-connected to the MTR Tuen Ma Line Austin Station and Tung Chung Line/Airport Express Kowloon Station via overhead bridge or pedestrian tunnel, ensuring seamless integration with Hong Kong’s local transportation network.

The station is open daily from 6 am to 12 midnight and offers ample parking spaces for passengers. English signage throughout the station assists passengers in navigating the facility, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for international visitors. The station’s design and operations reflect the high standards of efficiency and convenience that characterize modern Chinese high-speed rail infrastructure.

Future Prospects and Continued Development

The current expansion represents one phase in the ongoing development of Hong Kong’s high-speed rail connectivity. Looking ahead, further enhancements are likely as demand continues to grow and as new high-speed rail lines are completed in mainland China. The ambitious expansion of China’s high-speed rail network shows no signs of slowing down, with plans to extend the network to 60,000 kilometers by 2030.

As Hong Kong continues to strengthen its integration with mainland China, the high-speed rail will play an increasingly important role in connecting people, businesses, and economies. The rail link serves as a physical manifestation of the close ties between Hong Kong and the mainland, facilitating the exchanges that drive economic growth and mutual understanding.

The success of the high-speed rail link also demonstrates the potential for further infrastructure cooperation between Hong Kong and mainland China. Future projects may include additional rail connections, enhanced border facilities, and further integration of transportation systems to make cross-border travel even more seamless and efficient.

The Bottom Line

• Hong Kong’s high-speed rail network adds 16 new destinations from January 26, bringing total direct-access destinations to 110.
• New destinations include Nanjing and Wuxi in Jiangsu province, Hefei in Anhui province, and nine stops in Guangdong province.
• The Shanghai Hongqiao sleeper train service upgrades from four pairs per week to daily departures in response to strong demand.
• Tickets for new routes sold out rapidly on the first day of sales, indicating strong public interest.
• The expansion enhances connectivity to the Yangtze River Delta and Greater Bay Area regions.
• Following enhancements, the High Speed Rail offers 106-109 pairs of trains daily depending on the day.
• The network integrates Hong Kong into China’s 50,000+ km high-speed rail system, the world’s longest.
• The expansion comes as Hong Kong continues recovery from COVID-19 pandemic disruptions to cross-border travel.
• 240-hour visa-free transit policy now includes West Kowloon Station, benefiting international travelers.
• Improved connectivity supports economic integration, tourism growth, and business exchanges between Hong Kong and mainland China.