A new high-speed rail service linking Hong Kong with Wuhan, capital city of central China's Hubei Province, officially launched on Sunday.
The inaugural train, G885, departed from Wuhan Station at around 16:00, embarking on a four-hour and 33-minute journey that would take it through stations in Hunan and Guangdong provinces before reaching Hong Kong's West Kowloon Terminal.
Passenger Wei Junyi expressed excitement about the new route.
"I'm here to experience our first train. I think it's very convenient and very quick to go directly to Hong Kong," she said.
With nearly 1,200 seats per train, the new high-speed rail link is poised to facilitate the flow of people and economic activities between the central region and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Hong Kong entered the high-speed rail era in 2018, when the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link opened.
China aims to expand the length of its operational high-speed rail tracks to about 60,000 kilometers by 2030, up from 48,000 kilometers at the end of 2024, data from the country's railway operator shows.
New high-speed rail linking Hong Kong with Wuhan begins service
As the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, approaches on February 17, festive decor lights up cities and regions across China along with cultural shows and consumer events.
Chang'an Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Beijing, capital of China, is beautifully embellished with eco-friendly lanterns boasting an impressive 90 percent reuse rate, highlighting a commitment to sustainability.
In Baoqing County, in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, a charming ski town is welcoming Russian tourists from across the border to a vibrant New Year fair, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.
Business districts in Guangzhou City, in southern China's Guangdong Province, have adorned their streets with 5,000 lanterns themed with the Year of the Horse. They are showcasing captivating Hanfu performances, celebrating traditional Chinese culture and adding a festive flair to the atmosphere.
Xuan'en City, located in Central China's Hubei province, has established traditional Tujia light displays.
Meanwhile, other places in China including Jiangsu Province and Chongqing Municipality have enhanced the holiday spirit with vibrant folk and flower markets.
Cultural events, shopping fairs, festive decor seen across China as Spring Festival approaches
