The first direct high-speed rail service between Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, and Hong Kong was launched on Sunday, marking a significant step in connecting China's northwestern inland region with the southern metropolis.

In addition to the Xi'an-Hong Kong route, a new high-speed rail service linking Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, with Hong Kong was also launched on Sunday. Trains on this route take less than five hours, stopping in Hunan and Guangdong provinces.

Inaugurating the service between Shaanxi and Hong Kong, train G828 departed Xi'an North Station at 11:04 am on Sunday. The journey covers major stops in Shaanxi, Henan, Hubei, Hunan and Guangdong provinces, with a travel time of under 11 hours.

The new rail link is expected to strengthen economic ties, cultural exchanges and tourism between Xi'an — home to the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors — and Hong Kong, a global financial hub.

Zhao Xinyu, a college student in Xi'an, was among the first passengers.

"In the past, I had to transfer in Shenzhen to travel from Xi'an to Hong Kong, but now it's much more convenient," she said.

To enhance the passenger experience, China Railway Xi'an Group has set up five cultural exhibition areas at Xi'an North Station, showcasing Shaanxi's history and culture, Hong Kong's urban charm and the culinary and artistic heritage of regions along the route.

Train conductor Li Jishuangzi expressed pride in the launch.

"We underwent over a monthlong training in etiquette, service skills and communication in Cantonese, English and sign language to ensure a high-quality travel experience," she said.

The service was expected to boost cooperation in trade, talent exchange and cultural interaction. From January to November 2024,108 companies were established in Shaanxi by Hong Kong businesses, a 33.3 percent year-on-year increase, according to local government data. The province's trade with Hong Kong grew 26.7 percent during the same period.

The opening of the Wuhan-Hong Kong route brings the total number of high-speed rail services between Hong Kong and Wuhan to four, providing greater convenience for business travelers, tourists and short-term visitors, according to China Railway Wuhan Group.

Hong Kong entered the high-speed rail era in 2018 with the opening of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. China aims to expand its high-speed rail network from 48,000 kilometers in 2024 to 60,000 km by 2030, according to the national railway operator.