Starting from January 5, 2025, railway authorities will implement a new operating schedule, introducing two round-trip high-speed rail services between Xintang Station (新塘站) on the Guangzhou-Shanwei High-Speed Railway and Hong Kong SAR. This marks a significant improvement in travel efficiency and quality, bringing Guangzhou's Zengcheng District into a 90-minute commuting circle with Hong Kong.
Schedule of Direct Train between Hong Kong and Xintang
(Image: Chen Longyan / GDToday)
With the new schedule, the high-speed rail will operate two daily round trips between Xintang and Hong Kong, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, passing through key hubs such as Dongguan, Shenzhen North, and Futian.
The travel time between the two locations will be reduced from 150 minutes to just 90 minutes, offering residents a faster, more comfortable travel option and meeting the public's long-awaited demand for direct connectivity.
Zengcheng has a substantial demand for travel to and from Hong Kong, with many Zengcheng natives residing there. The eastern hub area, including Huangpu, also hosts many Hong Kong-funded businesses. Previously, there were no direct rail links between Zengcheng and Hong Kong, leaving travellers relying on less efficient options like driving or buses.
Launching direct high-speed rail services to Hong Kong is a major step in realizing Zengcheng's strategic vision as the modern and dynamic core of Guangzhou's eastern hub.
Zengcheng is leveraging its geographical location, transportation network, industrial base, and ecological advantages to attract high-quality talents and integrate Hong Kong's resources. Collaborative efforts are underway in fields such as advanced equipment manufacturing, electronic information, and new energy vehicles.
The region is also exploring a mode to promote joint innovation with Hong Kong, while leveraging Hong Kong's strengths in international finance, shipping, and trade to foster complementary developments in modern logistics, commerce, exhibitions, and financial services.
The Xintang hub, with its seamless links to regions like Central China, the West Coast of the Taiwan Strait, and the Yangtze River Delta, now connects 61 cities across seven provinces.
Map of Xintang - West Kowloon high-speed rail
Looking ahead, Xintang is set to introduce more intercity and national rail lines, enhancing connectivity across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and other major cities nationwide.
Author | Chen Longyan
Photo | Zengcheng Media Center, GDToday
Editor | Huang Qini, James, Shen He
