China's ongoing commitment to bolstering its national transportation infrastructure is evident in the planned expansion of its high-speed rail network. This initiative is particularly focused on enhancing connectivity between key economic zones, such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the strategically important Hainan Free Trade Port.
Following the recent opening of the Guangzhou-Zhanjiang High-Speed Railway, a new Zhanjiang-Haikou link has been approved. This crucial segment will extend high-speed rail services directly from Huizhou in Guangdong province to Hainan island, aiming for completion within the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030).
The new corridor is expected to foster greater resource sharing and industrial coordination between the Greater Bay Area and Hainan. It is anticipated to stimulate manufacturing and logistics sectors under Hainan's free trade policies and catalyze the development of a significant tourism corridor.
This development redefines western Guangdong's role, transforming it from a hinterland into a strategic gateway. The seamless integration of Hainan's island rail network with the national grid promises to unlock new opportunities for business, leisure, and comprehensive regional development.
This strategic rail expansion underscores a broader trend in Asia towards creating integrated transport networks that facilitate economic growth, enhance trade, and deepen regional interdependence, positioning China at the forefront of such advancements.
Source: Guangdong News
Guangdong-Hainan High-Speed Rail Expansion to Boost Regional Integration and Trade
Engineering Business Management
Published on: Jan 9, 2026
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China continues to expand its high-speed rail network, prioritizing inter-regional connectivity. A new direct high-speed rail line is set to link Huizhou in Guangdong province with the Hainan Free Trade Port. This development is poised to significantly enhance economic integration and trade flows across southern China.
