Wuhan to Guangzhou High Speed Train
Wuhan high-speed train station
A popular route for Wuhan expats replenishing their visa is the high-speed train from Wuhan to Guangzhou, bus transfer to Shenzhen, and walk across the border to Hong Kong. Last Chinese New Year was spent up north (Beijing and Harbin), this year I took my second trip south to Shenzhen/Hong Kong.
The high-speed train process is pretty easy and I would say a much better travel experience than any modern day commercial air service can provide. You arrive at the station just a half hour till boarding (buy you 250 RMB ticket in advance or at the station if it is not a heavy travel day). Yes that is about $40 for the four hour 625 mile trip. There is no major security line, no baggage fees (actually you get to keep all you bags with you, and you can bring on all the water and/or cup noodle (hot water available on the train) you want. The ride is smooth and scenic. The only complaints anyone could have is the mass crowding to get onto the train (typical of any Chinese mainland transportation) or the strange smells from others food choices.
If one is continuing on to Hong Kong from Guangzhou all you need to do is take a 75 RMB train or 50 RMB ($8) bus to Shenzhen. The bus takes about one hour but has been very empty both times I’ve taken this option. Once in Shenzhen, depending where you are, just take the subway to one of the border crossing and walk on over to Hong Kong. Entry points take around one half hour to cross (depending on traffic that day) and another half hour subway ride into Kowloon or Causeway Bay.
Here are some quick snaps (some from my phone) of the high-speed train ride.
Grabbing some Zhou Hei Ya duck neck gifts at the train station.
Train arriving onto the platform.
Train hitting 247 km per hour (153 mph).
A light overnight snow scattered along some of the higher regions near Wuhan were still visable in the morning.
A view of the slow train traveling along the China countryside.
A farming community in Shouthern China.
