According to news from China National Railway Group Co., LTD., starting from July 1st, the national railway will implement a new train operation schedule. After this adjustment, the railway will arrange for 10,592 passenger trains, an increase of 46 compared to the current schedule. Among them, the operation of Hong Kong-Chengdu high-speed train are worth noting.
Operation of Hong Kong-Chengdu High-Speed Train
On the 26th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the Hong Kong-Chengdu high-speed railway finally began operation. Starting from July 1st, passengers from Chengdu and Hong Kong can travel back and forth between the two cities directly. This marks the first direct train service between Chengdu and Hong Kong. The operation of the Chengdu-Hong Kong direct train is expected to increase attention to Chengdu's local culture and enhance its international influence through Hong Kong. Additionally, it is anticipated to attract more mainland visitors to Hong Kong and facilitate easier exploration of the mainland market for Hong Kong businesses and companies, thereby improving Hong Kong's economy. Moreover, it can also promote the development of cities along the railway route.
In Chengdu, passengers can take the high-speed train G2963 departing from Chengdu Dong Station at 8:48 and arrive at Hong Kong West Kowloon at 18:55. Similarly, in Hong Kong, passengers can take the high-speed train G2964 departing from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station at 10:08 and arrive at Chengdu Dong Station at 19:53. In approximately 10 hours, passengers can travel between Hong Kong and Chengdu, experiencing the distinct cultures of both cities.
Advantages of Hong Kong-Chengdu High-Speed Train
Overall, high-speed train is one of the best way to travel in China. Firstly, high-speed trains are more punctual. Compared to airplane, which only need about 3 hours to get to Chengdu or Hong Kong, high-speed train seems to have no advantage over airplane. But airplane can be affected by weather easily, causing flight delays or even cancel, which is risky for passenger. Secondly, take the airplane are time-consuming too. Passengers need to get to the airport at least an hour before departure time and usually airports are far away from the city center, which also need a lot of time to get to the airport. Thirdly, airplane is much more expansive than high-speed train. Airplane at least need 1013 yuan for the economy class ticket, which requires transferring to another airport and at least 4517 yuan for the direct airplane. But high-speed direct train only need 796 yuan for a 2nd class ticket, 1275 yuan for a 1st class ticket, 2391 yuan for a business class ticket, which is good for student community, it can help student appreciate the beautiful and diverse sight of the mainland, experience the different culture. So, for these reason, high-speed train is less troublesome, more economical and more punctual than airplane.
Upgrade of Service
For better service, China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd has made advance preparations for the staff team and service equipment to enhance the passenger experience. In terms of team personnel, key personnel were selected and sent to units operating cross-border trains to conduct inspections and learn from their experiences. Since Cantonese is the primary language in Hong Kong and there are many foreigners working and living there, English is also widely spoken. In order to provide better service, personnel who wish to work on the train to Hong Kong are required to go through a three-round process involving recommendation, initial tests, and final interviews. As a result, a group of personnel with a good foundation in English and Cantonese were chosen.
Ten passenger service teams were established and a training program was conducted on appearance, protocol, and behavior. In terms of service equipment, the quality of service supplies, spare parts, and other equipment was upgraded. Special attention was given to catering to the preferences of passengers traveling in that direction by increasing the reserve of light meals and providing diversified services.
Attraction of Chengdu
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda
Chinese Name: 成都大熊猫繁育研究基地( chénɡ dū dà xiónɡ māo fán yù yán jiū jī dì)
Opening Hours: 7:30-18:00.
Ticket Price: ¥55/person
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda is one of the most famous giant panda bases. It has been rated as a AAAA National Tourist Attraction since 2006 and was awarded the title of "Global 500 Best" by the United Nations Environment Programme. The Chengdu Research Base f Giant Panda was founded in 1992 and is located at No. 1375 Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It is situated 10 kilometers from the city center and over 30 kilometers from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The base serves as a world-renowned giant panda ex situ protection, scientific research and breeding, public education, and educational tourism center. It covers an area of 3570 mu. Currently, the base is primarily dedicated to the protection and breeding of endangered wild animals unique to China, such as giant pandas and red pandas.
Dujiangyan
Chinese Name: 都江堰( dōu jiānɡ yàn)
Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00
Ticket Price: ¥80/person.
Dujiangyan was founded in 276-251 BC by Libing, the State Chief, Dujiangyan is a grand an impressive hydraulic engineering feat that is the oldest existing hydraulic project in history and is the only one in the world that remains intact and still features a water diversion system without the use of dams. Dujiangyan plays a crucial role in providing irrigation for over 11.3 million acres of agricultural land in 7 cities and 40 counties (cities, districts) in the central and western regions of the Sichuan Basin. It also supplies water to key enterprises and urban areas for domestic use in Chengdu City. In addition, it serves as a comprehensive facility for flood control, hydroelectric power generation, water transportation, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, fruit cultivation, tourism, environmental protection, and other projects. It is an indispensable water infrastructure for the economic development of Sichuan Province. One remarkable aspect is that the weir has been standing for over 2250 years, providing increasing benefits as time goes on.
Dujiangyan is a world cultural Heritage, an important part of the World Natural Heritage, the world irrigation project heritage, the national key cultural relic protection unit, the national scenic spot, the AAAAA National Tourist Attraction.
Du Fu's Thatched Cottage
Chinese Name: 杜甫草堂( dù fǔ cǎo tánɡ)
Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00 ( 17:00 stop selling tickets and stop entry).
Ticket Price: ¥50/person
Located at No. 38, Qinghua Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Du Fu Cottage is the former residence of the great poet Du Fu in the Tang Dynasty. Du Fu lived here for nearly four years and wrote more than 240 poems. Wei Zhuang, a poet in the late Tang Dynasty, found the ruins of the cottage and rebuilt it to preserve it, which was restored and expanded in Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
Chengdu Du Fu's Thatched Cottage is also a museum. It was announced by The State Council as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units, Du Fu's Thatched Cottage collection of various materials more than 30,000 volumes, more than 2,000 pieces of cultural relics. It includes woodblock prints, manuscripts, manuscripts of Du poems in Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as various modern print editions, as well as foreign translations in 15 languages and more than 120 Han engravings published in Korea and Japan, which is the richest and best preserved collection of Du Fu's works in his life.
Attraction of Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor
Chinese Name: 维多利亚港( wéi duō lì yà ɡǎnɡ)
Opening Hours: open all hours.
Victoria Harbor is a seaport between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. One of the three great natural ports in the world. Victoria Harbor located in the port and sea area between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula. It was the main venue for the fireworks display during festive events such as New Year's Eve and the anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the mainland China. It was originally known as the 'Harbor of Hong Kong' or 'Hong Kong Harbor,' but during the British colonial period, it was renamed after British Queen Victoria. The new name, Victoria Harbour, became widely known and is still in use today. Due to its breadth and depth, Hong Kong is also known as the "Pearl of the Orient" and the "three great night scenes in the world". "Victoria Harbour has played a significant role in shaping Hong Kong's history, culture, and economic development and played a pivotal role in transforming Hong Kong into an international metropolis.
Victoria Peak
Chinese Name: 太平山顶( tài pínɡ shān dǐnɡ)
Opening Hours: cable car: 7:00-22:00, Peak Tower: 10:-22:00(weekdays) 8:00-22:00(holiday), Ferris Wheel 428: 10:00-21:00(weekdays) 8:00-21:00(holiday).
Ticket Price: 75 HKD (round trip), 63 HKD (one-way ticket).
Victoria Peak, a top tourist attraction in Hong Kong, is home to the renowned Peak Tower designed by the famous British architect Terry Farrell. With its unique bowl-shaped design, it combines sightseeing, entertainment, and shopping, making it a must-visit destination in Hong Kong. Its distinctive appearance has been featured on millions of postcards and photographs worldwide. Visiting the 360-degree observation deck, Sky Terrace 428, at the highest point of Hong Kong offers an overwhelming visual experience. Standing at an elevation of 428 meters, you can enjoy breathtaking city views from the most prime location in Hong Kong, giving you a sense of being on top of the world. Additionally, the Peak Tower features the Sky Gallery, showcasing rare historical photos of early Hong Kong, allowing visitors to relive the city's century-long transformation.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Chinese Name: 黄大仙祠( huánɡ dà xiān cí)
Opening Hours: 7:30-16:30, Cong Xin Yuan: 9:00-16:30.
Ticket Price: free. Pledge freely from the heart court in the temple. There are free incense sticks in the temple, and only nine incense sticks are allowed.
Wong Tai Sin Temple, also known as Sik Sik Yuen, is a Taoist temple dedicated to Wong Tai Sin. It is located at No. 2 Chu Yuen Road, Chu Yuen, Hong Kong. Founded in 1921, the temple has a history of over a hundred years. It is a famous historical site and one of the most renowned temples in Hong Kong, enjoying a good reputation both locally and overseas.
The Wong Tai Sin Temple features magnificent and resplendent architecture, showcasing the characteristics of traditional Chinese temples. Covering an area of over 18,000 square meters, the temple includes not only the main hall, Da Xiong Bao Dian, but also other structures such as the Three Saints Hall and the Chong Xin Yuan. Among them, the archway architecture stands out with its distinctive features, fully exemplifying the charm of Chinese traditional culture. In addition to activities such as burning incense, worshipping, and drawing divination sticks inside the temple, Wong Tai Sin Temple is currently the only Taoist temple in Hong Kong where Taoist weddings can take place. If visitors are fortunate enough, they may have the opportunity to witness the process of a Taoist wedding ceremony.
Wong Tai Sin is believed to 'respond to every request' and is deeply worshipped by those with strong faith. According to written records, Wong Tai Sin was skilled in alchemy and medicine, always prioritizing 'curing diseases and saving lives, helping the poor and the weak' as his duty. Whenever there were people in need, he would 'respond to their needs,' reflecting his compassionate nature and becoming the core belief of Wong Tai Sin's followers. Wong Tai Sin is revered as the god of luck and wealth.
Further reading:
Top Things You Should Know before Taking the Train in China Currently
