The high-speed rail service connecting Hong Kong to mainland China has taken a significant leap forward, with five long-distance routes adding seven new stopover stations starting July 1, 2025. This expansion increases the total number of accessible mainland destinations from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to 96, marking a pivotal moment in regional integration and cross-border mobility.
Newly added stops include Enping, Furongzhen, and Jingdezhen North, strategically selected to align with both national infrastructure development goals and the evolving travel needs of Hong Kong residents. These enhancements 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 Updated Schedules
Under the revised timetable:
- The Shanghai Hongqiao line now includes a stop at Jingdezhen North, linking Hong Kong directly to the historic “Porcelain Capital” in Jiangxi Province.
- The Xi’an North route adds stops at Xianning North and Luohe West, improving access to central China.
- Northbound trains on the Tianjin West line will no longer stop at Hengshan West but will now serve Lechang East.
- The Zhanjiang West line adds Enping as a northbound stop.
- Southbound services on the Zhangjiajie West route now include Furongzhen and Leiyang West.
These adjustments reflect a data-driven approach to route optimization, ensuring that rail connectivity supports both tourism and familial ties between Hong Kong and the mainland.
Enping: A Gateway for Heritage and Leisure Travel
One of the most impactful additions is Enping, a county-level city in Jiangmen, Guangdong — a region deeply tied to many Hong Kong families through ancestral roots. With over half of Hong Kong’s population tracing their heritage to the Pearl River Delta, this direct connection is more than just logistical; it's emotional.
Travel time from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Enping is now approximately 2.5 hours, cutting previous journey durations by more than 50%. This dramatic reduction makes weekend visits for family reunions, ancestral worship, or leisure trips highly feasible.
Beyond its cultural significance, Enping offers natural hot springs, lush countryside, and local delicacies such as Luk goose and eel rice — dishes cherished by returning Hong Kong tourists. Its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage site Kaiping Diaolou and Villages allows travelers to seamlessly combine heritage exploration with gastronomic and wellness experiences.
Travel industry experts note a growing trend: younger generations of Hong Kong residents are increasingly interested in reconnecting with their roots. “It’s not just about visiting relatives,” says Chan Shui-tung, a tour operator specializing in heritage tours. “They want to understand where their grandparents came from, taste authentic village food, and experience rural life.”
Tourism Boost: Jingdezhen and Furongzhen Now Within Reach
The inclusion of Jingdezhen North station transforms access to one of China’s most iconic cultural cities. Known globally for its millennia-old porcelain craftsmanship, Jingdezhen attracts art lovers, historians, and creative travelers. With a direct high-speed link reducing travel time from Hong Kong to around five hours, visitors can now participate in hands-on ceramic workshops, tour ancient kilns, and explore the China Ceramics Museum without the hassle of multiple transfers.
Similarly, the addition of Furongzhen — a picturesque ancient town nestled between mountains and rivers in Hunan Province — enhances connectivity to one of southern China’s most photogenic destinations. Famous for its stilt houses, night markets, and waterfalls flowing through the village, Furongzhen serves as a gateway to broader Hunan tourism circuits.
Travelers can now easily combine visits to Furongzhen with nearby attractions like Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar, and the historic Fenghuang Ancient Town, renowned for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture.
“This kind of one-day connectivity changes everything,” said Chen Ruidong, General Manager of Hong Kong China Travel Service. “It allows people to pack more into shorter trips, whether they're exploring nature, history, or cuisine.”
Strengthening Regional Integration and Economic Flow
According to Wang Jiaming, General Manager of Cross-Boundary Railways at MTR Corporation, the expanded network strengthens Hong Kong’s role within the Greater Bay Area and beyond. “High-speed rail is more than transportation — it’s a bridge for people, ideas, and economic activity,” he noted.
With 96 mainland stations now accessible via direct or connecting rail services from Hong Kong, the system supports not only tourism but also business travel, educational exchanges, and medical tourism. The improved frequency and coverage enable professionals to attend meetings in second- and third-tier cities without overnight stays, boosting intercity collaboration.
Moreover, these developments align with national strategies such as the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Central Corridor Development Plan, ensuring that Hong Kong remains dynamically linked to broader socioeconomic movements across China.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which new stations have been added to the Hong Kong high-speed rail network?
A: Seven new stations have been added: Enping, Jingdezhen North, Xianning North, Luohe West, Lechang East, Furongzhen, and Leiyang West.
Q: How does the new Enping stop benefit Hong Kong residents?
A: It reduces travel time to about 2.5 hours, making it easier for those with ancestral ties to visit family, explore heritage sites like Kaiping Diaolou, and enjoy local cuisine and hot springs.
Q: Is Furongzhen suitable for family tourism?
A: Yes. Furongzhen offers scenic views, cultural performances, pedestrian-friendly alleys, and safe walking paths along rivers — ideal for families seeking an immersive yet relaxed historical experience.
Q: Can I reach Zhangjiajie National Forest Park directly from Hong Kong now?
A: While there's no direct stop inside the park, you can take the high-speed rail to Zhangjiajie West Station and transfer via shuttle or taxi. The new Furongzhen stop also makes multi-stop itineraries easier.
Q: Are there any changes affecting existing routes?
A: Yes. The Tianjin West northbound route no longer stops at Hengshan West but now serves Lechang East instead. Always check updated schedules before travel.
Q: What impact does this expansion have on cross-border travel trends?
A: It reflects growing demand for convenient, time-efficient connections between Hong Kong and lesser-known but culturally significant mainland destinations — a shift toward deeper engagement beyond major cities.
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