Testing of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link began on April 1 ahead of its anticipated opening in September.

During the trial period, passengerless high-speed trains will travel every day through four stations in Southern China – Guangzhou South Railway Station, Shenzhen North Railway Station, Shenzhen Futian Railway Station, and West Kowloon Railway Station in Hong Kong.

The express train will offer convenient and fast links in the region with the trip from Hong Kong to Shenzhen taking only 15 minutes, while the Hong Kong to Guangzhou journey lasting around 45 minutes. The total length of the railway is about 140 kilometers.

The new rail will further secure Hong Kong’s position as a regional transportation hub and is expected to bring about more economic opportunities. In addition, the service will connect Hong Kong with the national high-speed rail network, which is the largest in the world.

Many Hong Kong residents say the link will be a boon for residents looking for shorter journey times.