Traveling from Shenzhen to Guangzhou by high-speed train is one of the most efficient and comfortable ways to explore southern China.
With multiple stations in both cities, a variety of ticket classes, and stops at interesting locations like Foshan and Shunde, this journey is a must for travelers looking to experience modern Chinese rail travel. Here’s everything you need to know about taking the high-speed train from Shenzhen to Guangzhou.
Shenzhen: The Starting Point
Shenzhen is a sprawling city with several high-speed rail stations, each catering to different parts of the city and traveler needs. If you’re heading from Shenzhen to Guangzhou, here are the stations you’ll want to consider:
1. Shenzhen North Station (深圳北站)
- Location: Longhua District
- Best For: Travelers in northern Shenzhen or those connecting to other high-speed rail lines across China.
- Highlights Nearby: While not a tourist hotspot, Shenzhen North is a critical transport hub, offering seamless connections to cities beyond Guangzhou.
2. Futian Station (福田站)
- Location: Futian District.
- Best For: Business travelers or those staying near the city center.
- Highlights Nearby: Located in Shenzhen’s bustling CBD, Futian Station is close to the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center and luxury shopping malls.
3. Shenzhen Station (深圳站)
- Location: Luohu District
- Best For: Travelers near the Hong Kong border.
- Highlights Nearby: This station is at the heart of Luohu, home to Dongmen Pedestrian Street, traditional markets, and the iconic Shenzhen skyline. This is where my office is to.
4. Shenzhen East Station (深圳东站)
- Location: Longgang District
- Best For: Residents in eastern Shenzhen or those seeking less crowded stations.
- Highlights Nearby: A quieter option, but a bit far from central Shenzhen and well no highlights as it is pretty shit here.
The Journey from Shenzhen to Guangzhou
The high-speed train journey from Shenzhen to Guangzhou is a breeze, taking between 30 minutes and an hour, or two depending on the train and number of stops. Trains reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, making this one of the fastest train journeys on the planet!
Ticket Classes on the High-Speed Train
When traveling from Shenzhen to Guangzhou, you’ll have three ticket classes to choose from:
1. Second Class
The most budget-friendly option, with seats arranged in a 3-2 layout. Comfortable and suitable for short journeys.
2. First Class
A more spacious option with wider seats in a 2-2 layout. Ideal for travelers seeking extra comfort.
3. Business Class
The premium choice, featuring lie-flat seats in a 1-2 layout. Perfect for those who want to travel in style, but also bat shit crazy expensive and in my mind not worth the money.
Guangzhou: The Destination
Guangzhou, like Shenzhen, has multiple train stations. Knowing which station to choose is key to planning your trip from Shenzhen to Guangzhou:
1. Guangzhou South Station (广州南站)
- Location: Panyu District
- Best For: Travelers heading to southern Guangzhou or connecting to other high-speed rail lines.
- Highlights Nearby: Close to Chimelong Safari Park and other attractions in Panyu. Where I wrote my first ever Street Food Guy blog.
2. Guangzhou East Station (广州东站)
- Location: Tianhe District
- Best For: Those staying in central Guangzhou.
- Highlights Nearby: Located near Tianhe Sports Center and major shopping malls.
3. Guangzhou Station (广州站)
- Location: Yuexiu District
- Best For: Exploring the old city and its historic landmarks.
- Highlights Nearby: Close to Yuexiu Park and the Cantonese culture-rich neighborhoods. Nearest station to the 2nd hand market.
4. Guangzhou Baiyun Station (广州白云站)
- Location: Baiyun District
- Best For: Travelers staying near Baiyun Mountain or the airport.
- Highlights Nearby: A quieter area with scenic views of Baiyun Mountain. Good street food
Stops Along the Way: Foshan and Shunde
If you’re not in a rush, consider stopping at some of the fascinating cities between Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Foshan (佛山站)
- Known For: Its connection to Shunde, a culinary paradise famous for Cantonese dishes like double-skin milk pudding and Shunde sashimi – more on this to come.
- Why Stop Here: Perfect for foodies and those exploring Guangdong’s cultural heritage.
Dongguan (东莞站)
- Known For: Being an industrial powerhouse with a growing reputation for art and culture. Also formerly the biggest whore house in China.
- Why Stop Here: A great spot to experience urban Guangdong life outside the big cities, although without the ladies of the night anymore.
Why Take the High-Speed Train from Shenzhen to Guangzhou?
Well quite simply because it is the quickest way to get from Shenzhen to Guangzhou and from Guangzhou to Shenzhen! It is also extremely well run efficient and convenient.
And it is all together a very Chinese experience and as they say “When in Canton” or words to that affect….