This Christmas, large numbers of Hong Kong residents are travelling to the mainland by high-speed rail for holidays and family visits!

According to data from the railway authorities, passenger numbers departing from West Kowloon Station surged significantly on the first day of the Christmas holiday compared to usual levels. Tickets for popular destinations such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Changsha were particularly in high demand, with high-speed trains operating at near-capacity during many time slots.

Sightseeing emerged as one of the primary motivations for cross-border travel during this period. As the mainland's cultural and tourism market continues its recovery, distinctive Christmas events and winter tourism programmes launched across various regions proved highly appealing. Many Hong Kong residents planned trips to Guilin to admire its winter landscapes, to Harbin for ice and snow adventures, or to Chengdu and Chongqing to immerse themselves in vibrant local folk customs. ‘I'd heard about the unique charm of mainland winter tourism, so I specifically timed this trip with friends to Xi'an during the Christmas break. We can experience both its historical culture and local winter delicacies,’ remarked young traveller Mr Li. " The comfort and efficiency of high-speed rail have made cross-border travel effortless and enjoyable, remarked young traveller Mr Li.

Family reunions also drive this travel surge. The expanding high-speed rail network has continuously broadened the commuting circle between Hong Kong and mainland cities. Even during short breaks like Christmas, residents can conveniently gather with relatives on the mainland. Many families choose to meet in border cities or have Hong Kong residents visit relatives in the mainland to share warm festive moments. ‘My child works in Guangzhou, and we rarely get to see each other. Taking the high-speed rail over the Christmas break allows me to spend the holiday with them and explore the local shopping districts – killing two birds with one stone,’ remarked Mr Zhang, echoing the sentiments of many visiting relatives.

The efficient operation of cross-border high-speed rail services provided robust support for this travel surge. Railway authorities anticipated passenger flow trends in advance, adding multiple high-speed train services between Hong Kong and popular mainland cities. They also optimised service procedures such as ticket inspection and waiting processes to enhance the passenger experience. Furthermore, convenient services like electronic ticketing and passport-based border clearance further reduced the time cost of cross-border travel, making journeys smoother for residents.