On Sunday, the G828 high-speed train departed from Xi’an North Railway Station at 11:04 AM, signaling the start of its inaugural service to Hong Kong. A momentous occasion, this train links Xi’an, known as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, withHong Kong, often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient. This new route is expected to significantly bolster economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between the northwest region of China and the vibrant metropolis of Hong Kong.
The G828 high-speed service takes approximately 10 hours to travel through several key cities, namely Huashan North, Luoyang’s Longmen, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, and Guangzhou South, en route to Hong Kong’s West Kowloon terminus, where it arrives at 9:09 PM. The return trip on the G826 departs Hong Kong at 9:07 AM, arriving back in Xi’an by 8:01 PM, totaling 10 hours and 54 minutes.
Starting immediately, the route will offer daily direct high-speed rail services utilizing CR400BF-Z Fuxing bullet trains, which promise comfort and ample capacity for travelers. To commemorate this launch, the Xi'an Railway Bureau has introduced two themed carriages to enrich the travel experience. The No. 10 carriage, themed “Impressions of Chang’an,” captivates passengers with intricately adorned panels inspired by traditional Chinese scroll paintings, symbolizing the cultural heritage of ancient Xi'an.
Passengers traveling on this inaugural train were treated to unique displays and cultural experiences. For example, the “Impressions of Hong Kong” carriage is decorated with modern mosaics, showcasing iconic elements of the city, including its vibrant street life and famous eateries. Mr. Li, one of the passengers, remarked, “I didn't expect this inaugural train to have so many unique features. The themed carriages are very immersive, making this trip truly unforgettable.”
Beyond just aesthetic enhancements, the launch of the Xi'an-Hong Kong train included interactive cultural displays at the train station. Xi’an Railway Bureau set up five zones showcasing the rich history of Shaanxi, the urban scenery of Hong Kong, and regional cuisines along the route, where passengers enjoyed cultural performances, such as the Ansai waist drum and lion dances.
Further enhancing the onboard experience, the train also features a mobile museum launched by the Xi’an Railway Bureau and the Beilin District Bureau of Culture, Tourism, and Sports. Passengers had the opportunity to meet Duan Yue, the cultural and tourism ambassador, who appeared clad in traditional Hanfu attire, showcasing notable intangible cultural heritage pieces like exquisite paper-cutting art and shadow puppets, which received much admiration from the travelers.
Passengers could also engage with cultural activities through virtual reality technology, exploring digital exhibitions from the Beilin Museum and Xi'an Museum, effectively immersing them in the region's history and culture during their travel. Li Jishuangzi, the train’s service manager, emphasized the importance of providing passengers with exceptional service. “To provide a premium travel experience, we underwent six weeks of intensive training on business etiquette, service skills, Hong Kong lifestyle customs, and communication,” he stated.
This new direct link not only facilitates ease of travel between Xi'an and Hong Kong, but also serves as a catalyst for deepening affiliations across economic, cultural, and talent exchanges. The launch symbolizes advancement within China’s high-speed rail network, which spans over 100,000 miles with more than 30,000 miles dedicated to high-speed routes.
China's investment in high-speed rail reflects its ambition to modernize its transportation infrastructure and boost economic growth. For the approaching Spring Festival travel season, which starts on January 14 and ends on February 22, the Fuxing high-speed trains are undergoing rigorous cleaning to be ready for the expected surge of up to 510 million rail trips, demonstrating the significance of railways during major travel periods.
Overall, the inaugural Xi'an-Hong Kong high-speed rail service marks not just the beginning of regular passenger service but also stands as part of China's broader initiative to integrate its transportation networks, raising anticipation for future developments.