The Guangzhou-Shenzhen section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong XRL has completed and commenced operation on December 26, 2011. The high speed train takes only 35 minutes (running at 300 km per hour) from Guangzhou South Station to Shenzhen North Station.

     Construction started in 2007, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen section covers a distance of 102 km and has 3 stations. Starting from Guangzhou South Station, the train heading south will stop at Qing Sheng Station, Humen Station and Guang Ming City Station before reaching Shenzhen North Station. From Shenzhen North Station the high speed train will eventually running across the Shenzhen-Hong Kong border and terminate at West Kowloon Terminus when the Hong Kong section is scheduled to complete in 2016.

     The Shenzhen North Station, with immigration and customs facilities, is the largest train station in southern China. The interchange station has eleven platforms and accommodates some 20 lines, including the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong XRL, the Hangzhou-Fuzhou-Shenzhen Passenger Line and Shenzhen Metro Line 4, 5 and 6. Auxiliary facilities are provided for an Inter-City bus station of 5,076 sq m for 55 coaches, a public bus station of 34,000 sq m for 74 buses and an area of 38,000 sq m for taxi stand. An extended 2-level wing on the east side of the station podium, with a GFA of 21,000 sq m, is reserved for commercial use which provides 272 shops.    

     Stage 2 of the project will provide immigration and customs facilities when the Hong Kong section is due to complete in 2016.