Hong Kong Launches First High Speed Rail Service

Written by Hong Kong Tourism Board

Fast train link puts Hong Kong within easy reach of cities across China

HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach ^[1] - 23 September 2018 - Hong Kong's first high-speed railway -- the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section ) -- was launched today (23 September 2018), bringing visitors from around the world the chance to travel quickly and conveniently between Hong Kong and cities across Mainland China. In particular, the new rail link puts Hong Kong in easy reach of nine neighbouring cities in Guangdong Province and heralds a major boost to tourism in the Greater Bay Area.

(Courtesy of MTR)

The 26-km rail link connects Hong Kong for the first time to Mainland China's vast high-speed rail network, the world's most extensive. Travellers will be able to ride from Hong Kong to 44 destinations in Mainland China destinations without changing trains, making the city an ideal starting point for multi-destination journeys through China. With frequent direct high-speed trains linking Hong Kong to Shenzhen and Guangzhou in as little as 48 minutes, travelling within the Greater Bay Area will be faster and more convenient than ever before.

West Kowloon: A Perfect Place to Begin Your Greater Bay Area Adventure

The Hong Kong section of the HighSpeed Rail network runs from West Kowloon Station, one of the world's largest underground high-speed railway stations and a new must-see landmark for visitors to the city. The station's design has already garnered a number of international design awards including one at the World Architecture Festival Awards, known as the "Oscars of architecture". Visitors can enjoy views of iconic Victoria Harbour by walking along the Sky Corridor on the station's rooftop. A three-hectare green area outside the station, meanwhile, provides a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city for residents and tourists alike.

Outside the station, there is a wealth of entertainment and attractions for visitors who want to enjoy shopping, dining, or a taste of traditional Hong Kong. The tourism hub of Tsim Sha Tsui with its world-renowned restaurants and shopping malls is a short walk away. The station is also connected by public transport to fascinating neighbourhoods including Sham Shui Po in Kowloon where visitors can experience authentic Hong Kong life, or Old Town Central on Hong Kong Island where visitors can enjoy history, arts, food, and culture in one of the city's oldest and most idiosyncratic districts.

Directly outside the station is Hong Kong's new arts and cultural hub, the West Kowloon Cultural District. It is directly outside the station, which will soon offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a sumptuous array of exhibitions, performances, and cultural events as soon as they step off the High Speed Rail network.

There has never been a better time to get on the train and discover Hong Kong and cities across Mainland China. Tickets for the High Speed Rail network are available online, from ticket agents, and through a tele-ticketing hotline. For more information, please visit:

https://www.highspeed.mtr.com.hk/en/ticket/cross-purchase-way-hk.html ^[2]

Photos/Videos are available for download:

ftp://HSRHZMB18-b:hgfdHJKL18@ftpsvr01.hktb.com/^[3]