China has opened a strategically important rail artery linking two major airports in the southern part of the country, adding further connectivity to the dense rail and metro networks of the Pearl River Delta region around Guangzhou.

The 48.2 km Zhuliao – Xintang Nan section of the Guangzhou – Shenzhen Intercity Railway was inaugurated on August 1, completing a missing link between the two cities and creating a 160 km/h main line arc across the eastern side of the conurbation, according to railwaygazette.com.

The opening enables through services to link Guangzhou’s Baiyun Airport and Bao’an Airport in Shenzhen, as well as adding seven more stations in the gap between the Guangzhou – Shenzhen Intercity Railway and the Guangzhou East Ring.

The Guangzhou – Shenzhen Intercity Railway has been opened in stages over recent years. The first was the 74 km section from Xintang Nan to Shenzhen airport, where revenue services started on December 15 2019. The line linking Guangzhou Bei with Baiyun Airport North and Zhuliao was opened between 2020 and 2023, and the through route now forms a 152 km long axis which facilitates rail access across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

A precursor to the completion of the Guangzhou – Shenzhen corridor was the opening on July 27 of the Dongguan West chord, which links the Guangzhou – Huizhou and Guangzhou – Shenzhen main lines. This allows through trains to operate without the need for reversal or a change of train at Dongguan Xi station. Completion of the chord has also enabled the introduction of direct services from Pazhou and Zhaoqing to Shenzhen Bao’an Airport.

The new corridor is expected to significantly improve travel options for passengers in the Pearl River Delta, one of China’s most economically dynamic regions. By connecting two of the area’s busiest airports, the rail link offers a fast and efficient alternative to road travel, reducing journey times and easing congestion.

The phased opening of the Guangzhou – Shenzhen Intercity Railway reflects a broader strategy to integrate the region’s transport networks, supporting economic growth and regional development. The completion of the missing link marks a major milestone in the expansion of the Greater Bay Area’s rail infrastructure.

With the new section now in service, the Guangzhou – Shenzhen Intercity Railway provides a continuous high-speed connection across the eastern side of the conurbation, linking key urban centres and transport hubs. The addition of seven new stations further enhances accessibility, bringing rail services closer to communities and businesses along the route.

The opening of the Dongguan West chord in late July was a critical step in enabling the new through services. By eliminating the need for reversal or train changes at Dongguan Xi, the chord streamlines operations and improves the efficiency of the network. Direct services from Pazhou and Zhaoqing to Shenzhen Bao’an Airport are now possible, offering passengers more convenient travel options.

The Guangzhou – Shenzhen Intercity Railway is part of a wider effort to develop a comprehensive rail network in the Pearl River Delta, which includes high-speed lines, intercity services, and metro systems. The region’s rail infrastructure is being expanded to meet the demands of a growing population and economy, with a focus on sustainability and connectivity.

As the network continues to evolve, further improvements and extensions are expected, building on the success of the recent openings. The completion of the inter-airport corridor is a significant achievement, demonstrating the commitment to enhancing regional transport links and supporting the long-term development of the Greater Bay Area.

Passengers travelling between Guangzhou and Shenzhen can now enjoy a seamless rail journey, with direct services connecting the two airports and multiple intermediate stations. The new corridor is set to become a vital part of the region’s transport system, offering a reliable and efficient alternative to other modes of travel.

The opening of the Zhuliao – Xintang Nan section is a clear indication of the ongoing investment in rail infrastructure in China, as the country continues to expand and modernise its transport networks. The benefits of the new link are expected to be felt across the region, from improved mobility for residents to enhanced connectivity for businesses and tourists.

With the completion of this key section, the Guangzhou – Shenzhen Intercity Railway now offers a continuous high-speed route across the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta, cementing its role as a backbone of the region’s rail network. The successful integration of the new section with existing lines demonstrates the effectiveness of the phased approach to network development.

As the region looks to the future, the rail network will play an increasingly important role in supporting sustainable growth and connectivity. The inter-airport corridor is a prime example of how strategic infrastructure projects can deliver tangible benefits, improving travel options and fostering economic integration.

The Guangzhou – Shenzhen Intercity Railway is a testament to the vision and planning that underpins China’s rail development, and the recent openings mark another step forward in the realisation of a comprehensive, high-quality transport network for the Pearl River Delta.