Fast train link puts HongKong within easy reach of cities across China

HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach - 23 September 2018 - Hong Kong's first high-speed railway -- the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-HongKong High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section ) -- was launched today (23 September 2018),bringing visitors from around the world the chance to travel quickly andconveniently between Hong Kong and cities across Mainland China. In particular,the new rail link puts Hong Kong in easy reach of nine neighbouring cities in GuangdongProvince and heralds a major boost to tourism in the Greater Bay Area.

 (Courtesy of MTR)

The 26-km rail link connects Hong Kong for the first time to MainlandChina's vast high-speed rail network, the world's most extensive. Travellerswill be able to ride from Hong Kong to 44 destinations in Mainland China destinations without changingtrains, making the city an ideal starting point for multi-destination journeysthrough China. With frequent direct high-speed trains linking Hong Kong toShenzhen and Guangzhou in as little as 48 minutes, travelling within theGreater Bay Area will be faster and more convenient than ever before.

West Kowloon: A Perfect Place to Begin Your Greater Bay Area Adventure

The Hong Kong section of the High Speed Rail network runsfrom West Kowloon Station, one of the world's largest underground high-speedrailway stations and a new must-see landmark for visitors to the city. Thestation's design has already garnered a number of international design awardsincluding one at the World Architecture Festival Awards, known as the "Oscarsof architecture". Visitors can enjoy views of iconic Victoria Harbour bywalking along the Sky Corridor on the station's rooftop. A three-hectare greenarea outside the station, meanwhile, provides a peaceful oasis in the heart ofthe city for residents and tourists alike.

Outside the station, there is a wealth ofentertainment and attractions for visitors who want to enjoy shopping, dining,or a taste of traditional Hong Kong. The tourism hub of Tsim Sha Tsui with itsworld-renowned restaurants and shopping malls is a short walk away. The stationis also connected by public transport to fascinating neighbourhoods includingSham Shui Po in Kowloon where visitors can experience authentic Hong Kong life,or Old Town Central on Hong Kong Island where visitors can enjoy history, arts,food, and culture in one of the city's oldest and most idiosyncratic districts.

Directly outside the station is Hong Kong'snew arts and cultural hub, the West Kowloon Cultural District. It is directlyoutside the station, which will soon offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy asumptuous array of exhibitions, performances, and cultural events as soon asthey step off the High Speed Rail network.

There has never been a better time to get onthe train and discover Hong Kong and cities across Mainland China. Tickets forthe High Speed Rail network are available online, from ticket agents, andthrough a tele-ticketing hotline. For more information, please visit:

https://www.highspeed.mtr.com.hk/en/ticket/cross-purchase-way-hk.html

Photos/Videosare available for download:

ftp://HSRHZMB18-b:hgfdHJKL18@ftpsvr01.hktb.com/