6 Easy High-Speed Rail Routes From Hong Kong To China!

Thinking about a quick adventure from Hong Kong? One of the easiest ways is to hop on China’s high-speed rail network. The Hong Kong West Kowloon Station links travelers directly to China’s bullet train grid, making weekend escapes and business trips smooth, fast, and affordable.

From big cities to charming old towns, here are six easy high-speed train routes you can plan right now if you’re in Hong Kong.

How Can You Travel From Hong Kong To Guangzhou?

If you ask most locals about the first train trip from Hong Kong, Guangzhou tops the list. Just about 50 minutes on the fastest trains, this route is a classic for both business and shopping.

Guangzhou South Station connects you to the city’s modern business hubs and its vibrant shopping streets. You can hit Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, explore Canton Tower, or fill your belly with dim sum in local tea houses.

Trains run frequently—around every 30 minutes during peak hours. Tickets are easy to grab online or at West Kowloon Station, so even a last-minute plan works fine.

Why Is Shenzhen A Favorite For Quick Getaways?

Ever wondered why people keep jumping between Hong Kong and Shenzhen? Convenience. The Hong Kong–Shenzhen high-speed rail link takes you straight to Shenzhen North Station or Futian Station in under 20 minutes.

It’s perfect for catching a concert, splurging at Luohu Commercial City, or spending a day at Shenzhen’s theme parks like Window of the World. And let’s not forget the dining—Shenzhen’s café culture and hotpot spots alone are worth the train ride.

Tip: Bring your passport or travel permit—it’s still an international crossing!

Is There More Than Shopping In Dongguan?

Dongguan might not be the first city that pops up when people talk about visiting China, but it’s surprisingly good for a chill day trip. Just hop on a train from Hong Kong West Kowloon, and you’ll reach Dongguan in around 40 minutes.

Once there, check out Keyuan Garden if you love historic sites. If you’re into tech, Dongguan’s massive electronics markets are worth a peek. And for a dose of nature, Songshan Lake is great for a quiet stroll or bike ride.

How Does A High-Speed Train Make A Weekend In Guilin Possible?

Who hasn’t dreamt of seeing Guilin’s famous karst mountains and the Li River? Thanks to China’s expanding high-speed rail, you can board an early train from Hong Kong and reach Guilin West Station in about three and a half hours.

A lot of travelers do a Friday evening departure and wake up to sunrise boat trips on the Li River or spend a lazy afternoon at Reed Flute Cave. Guilin’s downtown has plenty of hostels and hotels for any budget.

Bonus: Pair it with a side trip to Yangshuo. It’s about an hour’s drive and well worth it for the scenery.

What Makes Xiamen Worth The Longer Ride?

If you’re willing to sit a bit longer—around four hours on the fastest train—Xiamen is your answer for coastal vibes. The Hong Kong–Xiamen high-speed rail link is popular with travelers who crave a break from skyscrapers.

Xiamen’s biggest draw? Gulangyu Island. No cars, charming colonial architecture, winding lanes, and fresh seafood. Many people also come for the temples and the coastal walking trails on the mainland.

High-speed trains stop at Xiamen North Station, and from there it’s a short taxi or bus to the ferry pier for Gulangyu.

Can You Really Take A Train To Chaoshan For Food?

If you know, you know. Chaoshan is a foodie magnet. This region in eastern Guangdong is the birthplace of Teochew cuisine, and if you’ve never tried Chaoshan beef hotpot, you’re missing out.

Take the high-speed train from Hong Kong to Chaoshan Station. It’s about three hours—long enough for a good nap. Once you arrive, you can explore Shantou, the main city in the Chaoshan area, or visit nearby Chaozhou’s old town.

Think hand-pulled noodles, oyster omelettes, and endless snacks from morning markets. It’s also a neat place for old temples and heritage lanes if you want to mix culture with your food crawl.

What Should You Remember Before Taking These Trips?

Here’s the thing about traveling by high-speed train from Hong Kong: it’s not quite the same as hopping on the MTR. You’ll need your travel documents—either your Home Return Permit or a valid passport and China visa.

West Kowloon Station is efficient, but lines for immigration can get long during weekends and holidays, so get there at least an hour early. For popular routes like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, tickets sell fast on public holidays—book ahead online if you can.

Trains are clean, fast, and usually run on time. Snacks onboard are basic, so pack your own if you’re picky.

Ready To Ride?

Hong Kong’s link to China’s bullet train grid is only getting better. Whether you’re after city lights, historic towns, mountain views, or coastal breezes, a quick swipe of your travel card opens up a huge backyard waiting to be explored.