The first Yuehai train from Guangzhou to Haikou across the Qiongzhou Straits will begin running next Thursday.

The train will depart Guangzhou in the evening arriving in Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province, the next morning via Sanshui, Zhaoqing, Maoming and Zhanjiang.

Trains between Guangzhou and Zhanjiang and east Maoming will be cancelled.

The new service has created a lot of interest with travel industry sources believing group train travel would be more competitive in price, and attract more travelers to the island province.

The train will cross the Qiongzhou Straits by ferry and it is not known whether passengers will be confined to the train during the crossing.
 
(Shenzhen Daily November 12, 2004)