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Traveling to China has never been easier or speedier! With the expansion of the high-speed railway network that connects West Kowloon to major cities across China, travelers can now reach dozens of Chinese cities in just a few hours, other than just Shenzhen. 

From the bustling hub of Guangzhou to the cultural capital of Changsha, and scenic spots like Guilin and Yangshuo, China's high-speed rail has made weekend trips to these cities possible and fuss-free. 

Continue reading to find out which cities you can get to in under four hours! 

How to Buy the Railway Tickets

There's an official online ticketing service, called 12306, provided by China Railway, and tickets are typically released 15 days before the day of departure. 

To buy tickets on 12306, you would need to register for an account. If you're departing from Hong Kong, search for "Hkwestkowloon (香港西九龙)." Visit the tutorial page provided by MTR to learn more. 

Pro Tip: If the English website is busy, try the Chinese version and use your browser to translate the page. 

There are also designated online platforms that sell railway ticket booking services in English, including Trip.com and Klook. 

You may also buy tickets from ticketing counters and machines at the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and various other high-speed railway stations in China. 

Guangzhou

Guangzhou is the capital of the Guangdong Province, offering a blend of old-world charm and international flair. Known as a buzzing business district, this city is also a haven for its food and architecture. 

Indulge in its beloved Cantonese cuisine of dim sum, roast meats, and dai pai dong, visit its 600-meter-tall Canton Tower, one of the tallest structures in China, and don't miss out on their Bubble Tram, a sightseeing cabin that goes around on top of the tower. 

At night, hop on a cruise river along the Pearl River to see the city come alive with its dazzling lights, along with a full view of the Canton Tower. 

Tip: Guangzhoudong (Guangzhou East) station is the station closest to the city center of Guangzhou. 

Travel Time: It takes an average of 1.5 hours to get to Guangzhoudong Station from Hong Kong West Kowloon. 

Foshan

Foshan is often overlooked by international travelers, but the city is just under an hour from Hong Kong by train. This city is best known as the birthplace of martial arts legends, Cantonese opera, and ceramic craftsmanship. 

Foshan is the hometown of Ip Man, the Wing Chun master who mentored Bruce Lee. You can visit the Ip Man Museum within the Foshan Ancestral Temple, which shows a detailed look at his life and the philosophy of Wing Chun, along with kung fu performances and martial art exhibitions held at the Ancestral Temple. 

Other than martial arts, Cantonese opera originated in Foshan, which is one of the most expressive and visually rich forms of Chinese performance arts. Visit the Ancestral Temple to enjoy traditional opera shows and various exhibitions. 

If you're looking to take a gift home from Foshan, visit the Shiwan district to find beautiful glazed pieces. Shiwan district is known as the "Ceramic Capital of Southern China," and is home to various artisan studios, open kilns, and workshops. The Nanfeng Ancient Kiln is a must-visit as it's the oldest firewood and dragon kiln in the world. 

Travel Time: It takes an average of 1.5 hours to get to Foshanxi Station from Hong Kong West Kowloon.

Changsha

Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, is one of China's most underrated and culturally rich destinations. 

At the Hunan Provincial Museum, you'll see some of the country's treasured archaeological finds, including the perfectly preserved 2,000-year-old tomb of Lady Dai. If you're an outdoors person, hike along the Yuelu Mountain where you can take in the nature, traditional temples, and panoramic views of the city. 

The local food here is not for the faint-hearted. Changsha's dishes are famous for their intense spiciness, fragrant garlic, and liberal use of chili. Visit the street food markets along the Huangxing Road and Pozi Street, like their iconic stinky tofu, spicy crayfish, and various skewers. 

Travel Time: It takes an average of 3.5 hours to get to Changshanan Station from Hong Kong West Kowloon. 

Zhangjiajie

Near Changsha, there's Zhangjiajie, one of China's most iconic natural landscapes. Within just 2 hours, you can take a quick day trip to visit the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to see the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, where some of the scenes of the movie Avatar were based. 

There are also trains that go directly to Zhangjiajie from Hong Kong, but it would take about 6 hours. 

Travel Time: It takes an average of 2 hours to get to Zhangjiajiexi Station from Changshanan Station.

Wuhan

Wuhan, often known as the "Chicago of China," is a major transportation hub, as the city is a combination of three older cities: Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang, which also contributed to its diverse cultural identities and history. 

The Yellow Crane Tower is an iconic tower that offers an amazing view of the Yangtze River and the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, which was China's first ever double-decker bridge that linked the South and North of China. Its existence was dated back to 223AD and have existed in various different forms throughout history. 

Wuhan also has the largest urban lake in China, East Lake, offering beautiful views of lakewater, boticanical gardens, playground for kids, and scenic walking trails. 

Don't miss out on their culinary delights such as their iconic Hot Dry Noodles and Steamed Wuchang Fish! 

Travel Time: It takes an average of 4.5 hours to get to Wuhandong Station from Hong Kong West Kowloon. 

Guilin

Located in the Zhuang Autonomous Region of Guangxi, Guilin is where nature takes center stage. The phrase "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven (桂林山水甲天下)" says it all. 

Guilin's caves and rock formations are as spectacular inside as they are outside. Reed Flute Cave is one of the must-visit spots, it's an illuminated underground showing of stalactites and stalagmites, while Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of the city, is a natural arch shaped like an elephant drinking from the river. 

Just a few hours outside the city are the Longji Rice Terraces, a stunning agricultural landscape where layers of green and gold rice paddies curve around the mountainsides like a giant green staircase. Take a short hike and admire the stunning views of the rice fields. 

Travel Time: It takes an average of 3.5 hours to get to Guilinxi from Hong Kong West Kowloon. 

Yangshuo

Only 30 minutes away by train or 90 minutes by bus, you can also visit Yangshuo, a small town nearby known as a backpacker's retreat. 

There are many unique things you can do in Yangshuo, including cycling or bamboo rafting through the Yulong River, going rock climbing at White Mountain or Moon Hill, or staying at one of its traditional courtyard homes in the villages of Jiuxian or Fuli. 

Travel Time: It takes an average of 30 minutes to get to Yangshuo Station from Guilinxi Station.

Known for its iconic skyline, rich cultures, and world-class cuisine, Hong Kong is a city that never stops moving — and neither does its airport. Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) isn't just a travel hub, it's also a food destination in its own right. 

Whether you're after a quick bite, a refreshing drink, or Michelin-recommended eateries before your flight, HKIA is packed with venues that reflect the city's gastronomic diversity. Here's where to find the best eats in the HKIA terminal before you take off!  

Note that all these venues are in the restricted areas of the airport; only those who have passed through security & immigration for departure and transfers are able to access these dining spots.

Food Court Area

Once you pass through security and immigration from the departure gates, you're greeted with HKIA's food court area with an array of options to choose from. 

Right after Departures on L7 of the airport, there are Hong Kong's local iconic venues like one Michelin-starred Duddell's, Beef & Liberty, and Tasty Congee & Noodle Wuntun Soup, along with global classics like Lady M New York, Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To Go, and Putien. 

Around Gate 40-80 on L6, there's another food court where more casual, fast-food chains are available, including but not limited to Popeyes, Burger King, and OldTown White Coffee. 

Locations: After Departures on L7 and Around Gate 40-80 on L6

Opening hours vary across different venues. Burger King is the first to open in the morning at 6 AM, while Beef & Liberty is the last to close at 12 AM. Duddell's, Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To Go, Tasty Congee & Noodle Wuntun Soup, Putien, Moon Thai Express, and Bari-Uma & ShinsaEat Korean Kitchen are open 24 hours. 

THE MATCHA TOKYO

Originating in Omotesando in Tokyo, THE MATCHA TOKYO has opened its 10th branch in HKIA near Gate 11 on L6, offering the café's signature drinks, including their 100% Organic Matcha, Matcha Latte, Hojicha Latte, and various coffees. 

Additionally, THE MATCHA TOKYO has a variety of croffles and airport-exclusive hot dogs, for those who want a small bite as well! 

Location: Near Gate 11, Departures L6

Opening Hours: 7 AM to 11 PM

Yuan Is Here

As a recipient of the 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand, Yuan Is Here is known for its authentic Taiwanese street food and buzzing night market street food décor. 

Located near Gate 28 on L6, don't miss out on their signature dishes such as Braised Pork Rice, Taiwanese Burger, Sweet Taro Balls, and Bubble Tea! 

Location: Near Gate 28, Departures L6

Opening Hours: 7 AM to 11 PM

Men Wah Bing Teng

If you want to savor cha chaan teng-style food one last time before you fly, Men Wah Bing Teng is the perfect choice. 

Situated near Gate 11 on L6, this "bing sutt" (冰室) offers a variety of Hong Kong traditional dishes, like Men Wah BBQ Pork with Egg and Rice, Sa Cha Beef Noodles, and Hong Kong-style Milk Tea. 

Location: Near Gate 11, Departures L6

Opening Hours: 24/7 

INTERVALS Sky Bar & Restaurant

Located by the Sky Bridge on L9 (between Gates 12 and 24), INTERVALS is a cocktail bar launched by Plaza Premium Group in 2023, providing travelers a full-fledged service menu and in-flight takeaways. 

Their cocktail menu offers classic drinks such as Martini, Gin & Tonic, Margarita, and Whisky Sour, along with non-alcoholic drinks like soft drinks, tea, coffee, and kombucha. 

The venue also serves up a variety of food options to go with your drinks, such as The HK Prawn Toast, Mini Boston Lobster Roll, and Avocado "Croast." 

Location: Departures L9, Sky Bridge (between Gates 12 and 24)

Opening Hours: 7 AM to 11:30 PM 

% Arabica

For those who need a caffeine boost for their early morning flights, they can visit % Arabica, an iconic specialty coffee chain originating from Kyoto in Japan, near Gate 10 on L6. 

% Arabica was first introduced to Hong Kong in 2017, offering simple, yet high-quality cups of coffee, alongside matcha and lemonade for those who don't drink coffee. 

Location: Near Gate 10, Departure L6

Opening Hours: 6 AM to 9 PM

The Pier, Business Lounge (Cathay Pacific Lounge)

If you're flying Cathay Pacific First Class, Business, or are a Silver Asia Miles member or above, their The Pier lounge near Gate 65 is a must-visit if you're departing from HKIA. 

As the largest airport lounge in the world, The Pier lounge not only offers delicious food and drinks, but they also offers work stations, shower suites, and semi-private resting pods. 

Don't miss out on their popular Noodle Bar serving up Hong Kong classics and Chinese dishes, and Teahouse with JING's loose-leaf teas ranging from Japanese sencha, aged pu-erh, and Earl Grey.

Location: Near Gate 65

Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM