The Pearl River Delta's strongest selling point over other parts of the country is that it is the most physically integrated. Whereas ten years ago it was a tough slog to get from Hong Kong to anywhere else on the other side of the border, road, rail and ferry networks have today brought most cities in the delta within a two-hour radius. Shenzhen is obviously the closest and most convenient to visit, making it the best choice for prospective home-buyers who shuttle often between the two. Its position will be strengthened further in the next two years as road and rail networks on both sides start to align themselves the way they should have many years ago. The Kowloon-Guangzhou Through Train, running between the Hunghom and Guangzhou East stations, remains the most popular long-distance route for travelers to the provincial capital. It takes just an hour and 50 minutes. Some trains stop off at Dongguan City. Check www.kcrc.com for schedules. The best way to get to Dongguan, however, is by ferry. Chu Kong Shipping dominates the 60-minute routes to Shekou and Fuyong, near the Shenzhen International Airport ( www.cksp.com.hk ), but Shun Tak also has ferries running to both (ww.turbojet.com.hk). Nansha, Zhongshan and Zhuhai are all easily accessed by ferry.