Tourist havens within reach of high-speed rail's Hunan route

People can now travel to Zhangjiajie, a popular tourist destination in Hunan province, via high-speed rail from Hong Kong, as the MTR will be launching a new Hunan route starting June 15.

Yesterday, the rail company announced that a long-haul route will be introduced between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Zhangjiajiexi Station. One pair of trains will run between the two stations every day beginning June 15.

The new route will provide six stops: Shaoyang, Huaihuanan, Dongkou, Fenghuanggucheng, Jishoudong and Zhangjiajiexi. These stops will provide direct connections to notable attractions such as Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Fenghuang Ancient Town and Langshan scenic spot in Shaoyang.

The ticket sale for the new route will begin tomorrow.

"This new route will offer access to 78 destinations, fostering commerce and tourism," the company said. "The new Hunan route is expected to complement the existing Changshanan route."

Starting June 15, services will be enhanced between Hong Kong and Guangdong. "The number of daily train trips to and from key stations like Guangzhoudong, Shenzhenbei, and Futian will be increased," the MTR said.

Train frequencies to and from Guangzhoudong station will increase from 20 to 26 per day. Additionally, train trips to and from Shenzhenbei station will increase from 146 to 159 per day, and 161 trips on Saturdays.

Trips to and from Futian station will run 106 times per day, compared to the current 97 trips. On Saturdays, trips will increase to 109.

"The number of daily train trips will be increased to at least 100 pairs per day to further facilitate daily commutes," it said.

A same-day flexi-trip arrangement will offer passengers the option to make last-minute changes up to three times on the day of the journey.

Separately, the China State Railway Group announced that fares on certain high-speed rail sections, including Wuhan-Guangzhou, Hangzhou-Ningbo and Shanghai-Hangzhou-Changsha, will be adjusted starting June 15.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com