The Hong Kong section of the high-speed rail network has expanded its reach into mainland China with the addition of seven new stopover stations, effective July 1, 2025. This strategic enhancement increases the total number of connected mainland destinations to 96, significantly improving cross-border mobility and reinforcing regional integration between Hong Kong and the mainland.
The newly added stops—Enping, Furongzhen (Furong Town), Jingdezhen North, Xianing North, Luohe West, Lechang East, and Leiyang West—are carefully selected to align with both national infrastructure development goals and the evolving travel needs of Hong Kong residents. These adjustments not only shorten travel times but also open up culturally rich and scenic regions that were previously less accessible by direct rail.
Expanded Routes and Service Adjustments
Several key long-distance routes now feature upgraded connectivity:
- The Shanghai Hongqiao line now includes a stop at Jingdezhen North, offering travelers direct access to the famed "Porcelain Capital" in Jiangxi Province.
- The Xi'an North route adds stops at Xianing North and Luohe West, improving access to central China’s cultural and economic hubs.
- The Tianjin West northbound service no longer stops at Hengshan West; instead, it now serves Lechang East, enhancing regional coverage in Guangdong.
- On the Zhanjiang West line, northbound trains now stop at Enping, a major ancestral home for many Hong Kong families.
- The Zhangjiajie West southbound route now includes Furongzhen and Leiyang West, linking popular Hunan Province tourist destinations more directly with Hong Kong.
These changes reflect a data-driven approach to route optimization, ensuring that high-speed rail services meet real-world demand patterns while supporting broader economic and cultural exchange.
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Enping: A Gateway for Heritage and Leisure Travel
One of the most impactful additions is Enping, located in Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province. Known as a ancestral hometown for numerous Hong Kong residents, Enping is now just 2.5 hours from West Kowloon Station, cutting previous travel times by over 50%. This dramatic reduction makes weekend visits for family reunions, heritage exploration, or leisure trips highly feasible.
Beyond its cultural significance, Enping boasts natural hot springs, lush countryside, and local delicacies such as Luk goose and eel rice—dishes deeply cherished by Cantonese communities. Its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kaiping Diaolou and Villages further enhances its appeal, allowing visitors to combine nostalgic journeys with immersive historical experiences.
Travel experts note that easier access to such destinations fosters stronger emotional ties between Hong Kong citizens and their roots, promoting intergenerational understanding and national identity.
Tourism Boost: Jingdezhen and Furongzhen Now Within Reach
The inclusion of Jingdezhen North station marks a milestone for cultural tourism. Renowned for over 1,700 years of porcelain production, Jingdezhen offers hands-on ceramic workshops, museum exhibitions, and artisan markets. With a direct journey time of approximately five hours from Hong Kong, the city becomes an ideal destination for short cultural getaways.
Similarly, the addition of Furongzhen—a picturesque ancient town nestled in Hunan’s mountainous terrain—opens new possibilities for eco-tourism and scenic exploration. Known for its stilt houses, waterfalls, and well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, Furongzhen can now be seamlessly integrated into broader travel itineraries that include Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, and the historic Fenghuang Ancient Town.
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This interconnected network enables travelers to experience diverse landscapes—from coastal Guangdong to the dramatic karst formations of Hunan—without relying on multiple transfers or long bus rides.
Strengthening Regional Integration and Economic Flow
According to Wang Jiaming, General Manager of Cross-Border Railways at MTR Corporation, high-speed rail plays a pivotal role in integrating Hong Kong into the national development framework. “As a vital channel for personnel exchange between Hong Kong and the mainland,高铁 (high-speed rail) supports not only tourism but also business, education, and family connectivity,” he said.
The expansion aligns with China’s ongoing efforts to build a dense, efficient intercity rail network under the Greater Bay Area initiative and beyond. By enabling faster movement of people, ideas, and capital, these upgrades contribute to smoother regional collaboration and economic synergy.
Enhanced Travel Options for Hong Kong Residents
Cathy Chan, General Manager of Hong Kong China Travel Service, emphasized that the new stops offer both practical benefits and experiential value. “These additions diversify travel choices for Hong Kong residents,” she noted. “Whether it’s visiting relatives in Enping or exploring the ancient streets of Fenghuang Ancient Town, the journey is now more convenient than ever.”
She added that tour operators are already designing new packages that leverage these direct connections, focusing on themed experiences like culinary trails, heritage tours, and nature retreats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many mainland stations are now connected to Hong Kong via high-speed rail?
A: Following the latest update, the high-speed rail network connects Hong Kong to 96 mainland stations, enhancing accessibility across multiple provinces.
Q: What are the benefits of adding Enping as a stop?
A: Enping is a significant ancestral home for many Hong Kong families. The direct link reduces travel time to about 2.5 hours, making it easier for residents to visit relatives, explore heritage sites, or enjoy leisure activities like hot spring resorts and local cuisine.
Q: Can I visit Fenghuang Ancient Town directly by train now?
A: While there is no direct station in Fenghuang Ancient Town itself, the new Furongzhen stop on the Zhangjiajie line provides much closer access. From Furongzhen, visitors can reach Fenghuang via a short road transfer, making the overall trip significantly more convenient.
Q: How long does it take to reach Jingdezhen from Hong Kong?
A: The journey from West Kowloon Station to Jingdezhen North takes approximately five hours by high-speed rail, offering a comfortable and efficient way to explore China’s porcelain capital.
Q: Are there any changes to existing routes besides new stops?
A: Yes. For example, the Tianjin West northbound service no longer stops at Hengshan West but now serves Lechang East instead. Other routes have been adjusted to optimize travel efficiency and passenger demand.
Q: How do these updates support regional development?
A: By linking Hong Kong more closely with emerging and culturally significant cities, the expanded network promotes tourism, strengthens familial and cultural ties, and supports economic integration within the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
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Final Thoughts
The expansion of Hong Kong’s high-speed rail network marks a meaningful step toward deeper integration with mainland China. With improved access to heritage towns, cultural capitals, and scenic wonders, Hong Kong residents now enjoy greater freedom and flexibility in their travel choices. As connectivity continues to grow, so too does the potential for mutual understanding, shared experiences, and sustainable regional development.
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