China's railway system started to implement a new operational plan on Tuesday, enhancing connectivity between the mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), offering more convenience to passengers in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, aiming to bolster regional integrated development.
A total of seven new railway stations have opened for high-speed-rail commuters between the HKSAR and the mainland since Tuesday, taking the number of mainland destinations directly served by the region's high-speed-rail network to 96.
The new destinations include the popular tourist spots of Jingdezhen in east China's Jiangxi province, Furongzhen in central China's Hunan province, and Enping in south China's Guangdong Province.
"We've taken high-speed trains to Shantou, Jiangxi and Guangzhou before. Now with more stations added, it's easier to visit new places. The direct routes are super convenient," said a traveler surnamed Li from Hong Kong.
"The number of trains in daily operation has grown substantially. It brings more convenience for those who travel frequently between the mainland and Hong Kong like us," said another traveler surnamed Zeng from Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province.
The high-speed railway has become a key mode of cross-border transport for residents, as the high-speed rail network linking the HKSAR and the mainland continues to expand, with up to 108 pairs of trains operating each day.
"Over 14.75 million people have entered or exited border through the West Kowloon Border Inspection Station in the first half of 2025, marking a 16 percent increase year on year. The checkpoint saw a daily peak of 136,000 travelers. Mainland residents remain the dominant group, accounting for 61 percent of the total," said Kong Lingting, deputy captain of the No.5 duty team at the West Kowloon Border Inspection Station.
Notably, a high-speed rail loop service was launched in Shenzhen City of Guangdong Province for the first time with the implementation of the new plan, connecting major cities in eastern Guangdong.
"This rail loop service covers major eastern Guangdong cities including Huizhou, Shanwei, Chaozhou, Meizhou and Heyuan. The full journey takes from five hours and 15 minutes to six hours and thre minutes. This unique routing breaks away from the limitations of traditional travel, giving passengers the flexibility to get on and off the train at any stop along the loop accordingly," said Li Le, a duty manager of the Shenzhen North Railway Station.
China's new railway operating plan deepens connection between Hong Kong, mainland
