The MTR Corporation is dramatically expanding the direct route offerings and service frequency of the West Kowloon High Speed Rail Line, a major infrastructure enhancement designed to accommodate the surge in cross-border travel expected during the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays. Effective this month, 16 new direct destinations in mainland China will be accessible from Hong Kong, alongside substantial daily frequency increases on established high-demand routes, promising significantly streamlined travel between the Special Administrative Region and the Chinese mainland.
The expansion, announced by MTR on January 11, strategically precedes the holiday period, an annual peak for both outbound Hong Kong residents traveling to the mainland and inbound mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong. This boost in connectivity is expected to draw more mainland visitors to Hong Kong while simultaneously allowing citizens easier access to previously harder-to-reach parts of China via rail.
Major Expansion of Direct Destinations
The core of the enhancement involves integrating 16 additional cities into the direct-access network from the West Kowloon Terminus. These new connections unlock travel to diverse regions, including culturally significant hubs and emerging tourist locales. Notable additions now offering direct service include Nanjing, renowned as China’s ancient capital with deep cultural tourism potential; Wuxi, a scenic Jiangnan destination neighboring Suzhou; and Hefei, a relaxed city with historic charm.
Other new direct stops significantly boosting regional connectivity within Guangdong and Fujian provinces include Qingyuan, Miluodong, Quanzhoudong, Quanzhounan, Huidong, Huizhounan, Fuzhounan, Shantounan, Huilai, Lufendong, Lufengnan, Chaonan, and Xingningnan.
Service Frequency Increases and Route Optimization
In addition to expanding the geographical reach, MTR is substantially increasing train frequency on key routes, offering travelers greater flexibility and reducing transit times.
Enhanced Long-Haul Services:
The popular sleeper train service connecting Hong Kong and Shanghai is transitioning from a high-speed intercity operation to a daily service. Starting January 26, the Shanghai Hongqiao route will shift from four round-trip trains weekly to three round-trip trains daily. This new daily configuration includes intermediate stops at Hefeinan, Nahjingnan, and Wuxidong.
Increased Short- and Medium-Haul Operations:
High-demand local and regional routes are seeing major capacity increases:
- Guangzhou: Round-trip services between West Kowloon and Guangzhounan stations will jump to 24 pairs per day, reinforcing the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Greater Bay Area connection.
- Fujian Corridor: Services linking Hong Kong with destinations like Chao Shan, Xiamen, and Fuzhou will benefit from added stops along original routes, enhancing accessibility. Furthermore, one of the three daily West Kowloon-Xiamen train pairs will be extended to terminate at Fuzhou station.
- Travel Time Reduction: Optimizations to train paths will shorten the West Kowloon-Fuzhou journey by approximately 20 minutes, offering tangible time savings for travelers.
- Shantou: The number of daily train pairs connecting Hong Kong and Shantou will increase to five.
The significant increase in daily services and direct connections aims to alleviate the traditional travel stresses associated with the Lunar New Year, particularly for residents planning trips to the mainland. By bolstering rail capacity and connectivity, MTR is laying the groundwork for a more seamless and efficient holiday travel period, solidifying the High Speed Rail’s role as a vital link between Hong Kong and the rest of mainland China. Travelers are advised to consult the updated schedules and fare information available on the MTR High Speed Rail dedicated website for precise planning.
