A group of 300 passengers had the opportunity to experience the Xiamen-Shenzhen High Speed Railway on Dec 17th, ahead of its official launch on the 28th.

The passengers gathered in the Xiamen North Railway Station and the train set off at exactly 7:26 am.

They were able to see scenic spots along the route, and they received heated packed meals costing between 15 and 35 Yuan.

The 502.4 km journey only took three and a half hours as the train skipped some stops and, after a stay in Shenzhen of no more than about half an hour, they boarded the train for the return trip.

One of the passengers said that the trip had allowed him to see how people in other provinces live and also to see other cities.