Hong Kong will validate its policy on joint checkpoint processes of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) on Sept 4.

The XRL will be officially launched on Sept 23 and will offer service to 44 train stations on the Chinese mainland. They will include short-haul services to six train stations between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, and long-haul service to 38 stations, reaching most of China's big cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Guilin, Guiyang, Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Changsha and Hangzhou.

XRL will operate 82 pairs of short-haul train trips from Friday to Sunday and 70 pairs on other days.

During peak seasons, such as public holidays in Hong Kong and the mainland, 114 pairs of short-haul trains will be operated every day.

The price of a second-class ticket ranges from 68 yuan ($10) from Hong Kong to Futian in Shenzhen to 1,077 yuan to Beijing.

All tickets will be priced in renminbi. Their corresponding prices in Hong Kong dollars will be adjusted on a monthly basis, subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate.

Frank Chan Fan, Hong Kong's secretary for transport and housing (R2), attends a news conference to announce that the special administrative region's section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link will enter service on Sept 23. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]