According to the Ta Kung Pao report, the high-speed “Hong Kong Panda Special” train will begin service this Saturday (11th) and operate for 12 consecutive weeks. It will run on Saturdays, Sundays, and certain designated dates between Guangzhou South, Shenzhen North, and Futian stations. The train has been outfitted with a giant panda-themed design, and six of Hong Kong’s giant pandas will “transform” into high-speed train drivers. These pandas will also serve as ambassadors, guiding passengers through various popular photo spots in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong West Kowloon Station has also been decorated with a giant panda theme.

The MTR’s giant panda-themed high-speed train will operate from this Saturday through April 4th, running on Saturdays, Sundays, and the first day of the Lunar New Year (January 29th) on designated routes from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Shenzhen or Guangzhou. On other days, the train will run on random schedules. The first train will depart at 8:23 AM on Saturday from West Kowloon heading to Guangzhou South on the G6582 route.
The panda special train is a modified “Dongganhao” train, themed “Giant Pandas Exploring Hong Kong’s Famous Landmarks, Scenery, and Cuisine.” The exterior, doors, carriage interiors, walls, windows, luggage racks, and seats are adorned with stickers of the six giant pandas, who can be seen traveling through well-known Hong Kong landmarks such as the Clock Tower, Temple Street, and the Tian Tan Buddha. There are even pandas shown enjoying delicious food at a dim sum restaurant.