A train trip from Hong Kong to Beijing that typically takes 24 hours with be cut in half thanks to a new high-speed rail link.Starting on June 15, Hong Kong is set to open a crucial new tie with mainland China by launching high-speed rail service to Beijing and Shanghai, the two biggest cities in the country. The once-a-day sleeper trains will run from Friday to Monday.The new service will reduce travel time between Hong Kong and Beijing to 12.5 hours, down from more than a full day.
The trains to and from Shanghai Hongqiao station also feature one premium sleeper car.When purchasing tickets, travelers can choose either upper or lower berths. If traveling with companions, the system will try to arrange for them to be in the same room with adjacent beds, depending on ticket availability. If not, passengers may have to share the room with others.