Core Insights - The article highlights the significant increase in cross-border rail passenger transport between Shenzhen and Hong Kong during the National Day holiday, with daily average train operations exceeding 210 trains and a total of 24.25 million passengers transported by October 8, 2023, marking a 29.35% increase compared to the same period last year [1][2]. Group 1: Passenger Transport Statistics - The cumulative number of cross-border passengers transported by the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link from January to September 2023 reached 23.30 million, with over 30% of the traffic occurring during weekends and holidays [1]. - During the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday from October 1 to 8, nearly 1,700 cross-border trains were operated, transporting 955,000 passengers, which is a record high for this period [1]. - On October 4, 2023, a new single-day record was set with 135,000 passengers transported [1]. Group 2: Infrastructure and Connectivity - The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, spanning 141 kilometers, has significantly reduced travel time between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, with the fastest journey from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Futian Station taking just 14 minutes [1]. - The design of the rail link allows for seamless transfers with the Hong Kong MTR, making cross-border commuting more efficient and practical for residents [1]. Group 3: Ticketing Innovations - In response to the rising cross-border passenger flow, the railway department has introduced flexible ticketing options such as "flexible travel," "regular tickets," and "multi-use tickets" to cater to diverse needs including business and tourism [2].

Core Insights - The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail has experienced a robust growth in cross-border passenger flow, with a total of 15.03 million passengers transported in the first half of the year, marking a year-on-year increase of 2.09 million passengers or 16.1% [1][2] - The rail service has solidified its position as a key transportation network within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, reflecting the increasing connectivity and economic development in the region [1][2] Passenger Flow Statistics - In the first half of 2025, over 37,000 passenger trains were operated, with cross-border passenger flow surpassing 15 million by June 30, achieving this milestone 27 days earlier than the previous year [1] - Passenger flow from Hong Kong to mainland China reached 7.36 million, a year-on-year increase of 0.967 million or 15.1%, while flow from mainland China to Hong Kong was 7.67 million, up by 1.121 million or 17.1% [1] Regional Distribution of Passengers - The rail service has become a vital channel for personnel movement in the Greater Bay Area, with 5.84 million passengers traveling from Hong Kong to Guangdong and 6.07 million from Guangdong to Hong Kong, together accounting for nearly 80% of total passenger flow [2] - Notably, 2.62 million passengers traveled from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, representing 35.5% of total flow, with a year-on-year increase of 0.757 million or 14.9%, while 2.86 million traveled from Shenzhen to Hong Kong, making up 37.3% of total flow, with a year-on-year increase of 0.508 million or 21.6% [2] Impact of Policies and Services - The implementation of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy has led to over 663,000 foreign travelers being processed at the West Kowloon border checkpoint, a 35% increase year-on-year, with visa-free entries surging by 110% to over 138,000 [3] - The "Flexible Travel" product has served 51,000 passengers in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year, catering to diverse travel needs [3]