At 11:11 a.m. on March 8, the inaugural direct high-speed rail tourist train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station arrived at Qingyuan Station, marking the kickoff of the 2025 "100,000 Hong Kong Residents Visit Qingyuan" campaign and the first tourist-dedicated train organized by Big Line Holiday, a Hong Kong-based travel agency.

At 11:11 a.m. on March 8, Hong Kong passengers pose for a photo with the Fuxing bullet train upon arrival.

To better meet the diverse travel needs of visitors in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, China's railway authorities have leveraged the transportation advantages of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway and the Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway. In collaboration with Big Line Holiday, they have introduced a new "High-Speed Rail + Tourism" model, launching a tourist train from Hong Kong to Qingyuan, Guangdong. This initiative aims to further promote economic and cultural exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kongwhile expanding the scope of high-speed rail services.

"In the past, traveling to Qingyuan required transferring to a coach. Now, with the direct high-speed train, we can reach Qingyuan in just about an hour," said Mr. Han, a Hong Kong tourist.

Passengers on the inaugural journey will visit several renowned attractions in Qingyuan, including Gulong Gorge Scenic Area (古龍峽景區), Hezhong Hot Spring (河中溫泉), Lianzhou Underground River, and the Huangchuan Three Gorges (湟川三峽). The itinerary offers travelers an immersive experience of Qingyuan's breathtaking natural scenery and rich cultural heritage.

The inaugural launch of the tourist train service from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Qingyuan Station not only provides Hong Kong residents with convenient direct access to Qingyuan, but also strengthens tourism and economic cooperation between the Greater Bay Area and Qingyuan.

The launch event coincides with International Women's Day, with each female passenger arriving from Hong Kong receiving a flower as a welcome gift.

A vibrant Yao ethnic long drum dance performance captivates audiences at the "100,000 Hong Kong Residents Visit Qingyuan" launch event.