On January 26, a groundbreaking development in travel connectivity will take place as a new direct high-speed rail service begins operating between Hong Kong and Qingyuan, a city in Guangdong Province. This marks the first-ever rail link directly connecting the two cities, offering a faster, more efficient travel route. This new service aims to enhance travel opportunities between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Qingyuan, making the city more accessible and appealing to tourists. The direct train service, part of a broader nationwide railway optimization initiative, is expected to not only improve travel efficiency but also boost tourism and economic activities in both regions.

Introduction of the High-Speed Rail Service

With the introduction of the new high-speed rail between Hong Kong and Qingyuan, the travel dynamics between these two cities will experience a major shift. Previously, the journey between the two cities required passengers to make transfers, typically in Shenzhen or Guangzhou, which extended travel time considerably. Now, with the launch of this direct service, the travel time between Hong Kong and Qingyuan will be slashed to just 90 minutes. This reduction in travel time not only makes the journey more convenient but also makes Qingyuan an attractive destination for more travelers. The high-speed rail is expected to significantly impact tourism, encouraging both leisure and business tourism, as well as enhancing accessibility for residents of both cities.

Efficient and Quick Travel Connection

The new rail service will operate two daily trains, designed for maximum efficiency in transporting passengers between Hong Kong and Qingyuan. The southbound train, identified as G6113, departs from Qingyuan at 9:22 AM and travels through Changsha South Station in Hunan Province before continuing on to Guangzhou South, Nansha North, and Shenzhen North stations, before finally reaching Hong Kong’s West Kowloon at 10:51 AM. This route will cover the entire distance in just 1 hour and 29 minutes.

Meanwhile, the northbound train, G6114, departs Hong Kong’s West Kowloon at 5:16 PM, passing through Shenzhen North and Guangzhou South, ultimately arriving at Qingyuan at 6:34 PM. The travel time for this service will be 1 hour and 18 minutes, making it an incredibly quick and convenient option for those traveling between the two cities.

Affordable and Convenient Travel for Tourists and Locals

Ticket prices for the new high-speed rail service have been set at 253 yuan (approximately $36.28) for a second-class seat to Hong Kong from Qingyuan. For the reverse journey, tickets are priced at 257 yuan. The affordable pricing structure ensures that the rail service is accessible to a wide range of passengers, from tourists looking for a cost-effective way to explore Qingyuan to locals commuting between the two cities. The introduction of this new service will likely encourage frequent travel, further supporting the growth of both business and tourism activities in the region.

Qingyuan: A Growing Tourist Destination

Located in the heart of Guangdong Province, Qingyuan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for both Chinese nationals and international travelers. Known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, the city offers a diverse range of attractions, making it an appealing spot for tourists seeking adventure, relaxation, and a taste of local culture.

Among the city’s major attractions is Gulong Gorge, a stunning natural site that offers rafting opportunities as well as a glass skywalk with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Another key attraction is the Qingyuan Chimelong Resort, home to a safari park that is especially popular with families. For nature lovers, the Yingxifenglin karst landscape and the ancient Millennium Yaozhai village—a Yao ethnic community that dates back over 1,400 years—provide an intriguing mix of cultural immersion and natural beauty.

Additionally, Qingyuan is known for its distinctive cuisine, especially the famous Qingyuan chicken. This chicken, prized for its tender meat and crispy golden skin, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, adding a gastronomic appeal to the city’s tourism offerings.

Impact on the Travel Industry

The new direct high-speed rail service between Hong Kong and Qingyuan is expected to have a profound effect on the local and regional tourism industry. The convenience and speed of the rail link will likely increase the number of tourists visiting Qingyuan, both for short day trips and longer stays. Travelers from Hong Kong and other nearby regions, who previously may have been deterred by the time-consuming nature of the trip, will now find it much easier and quicker to visit Qingyuan.

This change is anticipated to benefit various local businesses and tourism services in Qingyuan, including hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators, as more visitors from Hong Kong and beyond will now be able to access the city. This increased tourism traffic will, in turn, lead to greater demand for tourism-related services, thus positively influencing the local economy.

Moreover, the cross-border tourism potential of the new rail service is noteworthy. While Hong Kong will be a primary source of visitors, the improved connectivity will make it easier for tourists traveling through other regions of China to reach Qingyuan. By improving access to the city, the service is expected to attract international tourists who are traveling within the region, contributing to a boost in global tourism.

Boosting Local Economy and Encouraging Regional Growth

The increased ease of travel will likely lead to a significant economic boost for Qingyuan, especially in the hospitality and service sectors. As the city becomes more accessible, hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, and tourism-related services are expected to grow. Qingyuan’s popularity as a tourist destination is likely to soar, with the high-speed rail connection serving as a catalyst for regional economic development.

Furthermore, the high-speed rail will benefit local businesses, not just those in tourism. The improved transport link will facilitate business travel between Hong Kong and Qingyuan, opening up opportunities for trade and economic cooperation. For example, business meetings and conferences can now be arranged more easily, encouraging cross-border collaborations and partnerships. This seamless transport connection will also encourage further investments in Qingyuan’s infrastructure, promoting long-term economic growth.

Enhancing Regional and Cross-Border Connectivity

The direct high-speed rail service will likely play a significant role in enhancing regional connectivity, especially between Hong Kong and Qingyuan. By providing a quick and reliable means of travel, the service will make it easier for residents of both cities to travel for both leisure and business purposes. It will also serve as an important part of China’s national transport strategy, which seeks to improve internal transport connections and promote regional integration.

In the broader context of the Greater Bay Area, this rail link is another step toward fostering deeper economic and cultural ties between Hong Kong, Qingyuan, and other key cities in the region. With greater mobility, people and businesses from these cities will have more opportunities to collaborate, boosting regional prosperity and economic growth.

A New Era of Connectivity for Hong Kong and Qingyuan

With the launch of the new direct high-speed rail service, the journey between Hong Kong and Qingyuan is set to become faster, more efficient, and far more convenient. This new service not only enhances tourism but also helps foster stronger economic ties between Hong Kong and Qingyuan, benefiting businesses, tourists, and locals alike. The improved access to Qingyuan, with its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and distinctive cuisine, will attract more travelers from Hong Kong and other regions. As the cities continue to grow and prosper together, the new rail service serves as a shining example of how infrastructure improvements can create lasting impacts on tourism and regional development. The future of Hong Kong-Qingyuan travel looks brighter than ever, with this new rail connection at the forefront of this exciting new era of connectivity.