Opinion | Lessons from my high-speed train trip to Beijing: Hong Kong is in danger of falling behind

Travel broadens the mind. As Mark Twain puts it: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

One of the saddest aspects of the Chinese mainland authorities’ decision to refuse most pan-democrats their home-return permits is that it denies them easy access to the rest of China. Thus they cannot see for themselves all the exciting things happening there. The corresponding refusal by the pan-democrats to take advantage of occasional official visit invitations just perpetuates the vicious circle of ignorance.

The journey was incredibly smooth and comfortable (full disclosure: we paid a little extra to on the intermediate class) with wide seats and plenty of legroom. It was possible to read or doze or just enjoy the scenery flashing past outside the window. When required, a spotless and odourless restroom was available. The overall experience compared well with air travel to the same destination.

A display panel at the front of the carriage showed the speed – for long stretches, over 300km/h – or otherwise there would have been little sensation of it. Total travel time was nine hours. The most frequently asked question upon our return was: “Where did you change?” But the answer flummoxed enquirers: “We did not. It was city centre to city centre on the same train.”

An interesting episode occurred soon after departure. A cup of coffee was ordered and a 100-yuan note offered in payment. None of the staff could provide change. Apparently, normal practice was to pay by mobile phone. Not to worry, a call was made to the next station and another staff member would board who could handle cash.