The Guangzhou-Zhanjiang High-Speed Railway (HSR), the longest high-speed rail line ever built in Guangdong province, officially began operations on Dec. 22, significantly enhancing regional connectivity.

With the new line in service, the fastest travel time between Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station and Zhanjiang North Railway Station has been cut to just one hour and 32 minutes.

Stretching 401 kilometers, the railway links major cities including Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhaoqing, Yunfu, Yangjiang, Maoming and Zhanjiang. It is designed for a maximum operating speed of 350 kilometers per hour.

During the initial phase of operation, up to 64 high-speed train services will run daily. The new route shortens the fastest Guangzhou-Zhanjiang journey by 61 minutes compared with the previous line.

The opening of the Guangzhou-Zhanjiang HSR is expected to substantially narrow the time-distance gap between the Beibu Gulf city cluster and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area (GBA). It will facilitate travel for residents along the route, improve the regional rail network, and strengthen the GBA's radiating and driving role.

The project is widely seen as playing an important role in promoting high-quality regional economic and social development, while supporting the development of a vibrant, internationally competitive first-class bay area and a world-class city cluster.