Hong Kong’s high-speed rail network expanded its reach into mainland China on Monday, adding 16 new direct destinations in a move officials say will bolster regional connectivity and revitalize the city’s tourism sector.
The expansion, announced by the MTR Corporation, extends the network’s footprint into eastern China, the Chaoshan region of Guangdong, and the Fujian province cities of Xiamen and Fuzhou. With the new additions, the Hong Kong section of the high-speed rail now serves 110 destinations across 19 provinces and municipalities nationwide.
A new route to Shanghai Hongqiao is expected to be a centerpiece of the expansion, providing enhanced access to major hubs and tourist destinations including Nanjing, Wuxi, and Hefei.
To mark the rollout, more than 400 passengers joined an inaugural tour organized by the MTR and local travel agencies. Industry leaders reported immediate interest in the new routes, which eliminate the need for transfers and bring travelers closer to city centers.
“It’s more convenient because it’s closer to the city center and simplifies transportation, allowing us to reduce travel time significantly,” said Chan Yin-ping, chairman of Big Line International Group. Chan noted that her agency has already introduced over a dozen new tours, with high demand for destinations such as Qingyuan. “Many tour group members really want to utilize this new fast travel method, taking the high-speed rail from West Kowloon directly to their destinations.”
The expansion comes as Hong Kong marks a significant infrastructure milestone. Speaking at a launch ceremony, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan noted that both the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the high-speed rail link have each surpassed 100 million passenger trips since their respective openings.
“Under this ‘double 100 million’ milestone, we can further enhance our services, bring more diverse tourism products and offer improved traveling convenience,” the transport secretary said. She added that the network will also see an increase in sleeper train services and a more diversified range of stops focusing on cultural and historical sites.
MTR CEO Jeny Yeung said the corporation intends to continue collaborating with the tourism sector to promote “high-speed rail tourism” and strengthen cross-boundary ties.
To encourage ridership, the MTR is launching a series of limited-time promotions starting Tuesday. These include buy-one-get-one-free offers for tickets to Futian and discounts for travel to major hubs like Guangzhou South.
