The Hong Kong section of the high-speed rail network is expanding its reach into the mainland, with 16 new direct destinations added from Monday, according to the MTR Corporation.

The expansion spans parts of eastern China, Chaoshan in Guangdong, as well as Xiamen and Fuzhou in Fujian Province.

With these additions, the rail giant said the Hong Kong section of the high-speed rail now serves 110 destinations across 19 provinces and directly-administered municipalities nationwide.

A newly established route to Shanghai Hongqiao is also set to enhance connectivity to several popular tourist cities, such as Nanjing, Wuxi and Hefei.

To mark the launch, the MTR collaborated with travel agencies to organise an inaugural tour, which attracted more than 400 passengers.

Travel agency Big Line International Group has already introduced over a dozen new tours following the expansion.

According to its chairman Chan Yin-ping, demand is particularly high for destinations like Qingyuan.

"It’s more convenient because it’s closer to the city centre and simplifies transportation, allowing us to reduce travel time significantly," she said.

"It means there will be more time for people to explore and play. Many tour group members really want to utilise this new fast travel method, taking the high-speed rail from West Kowloon directly to their destinations."

Chan added that many travellers are eager to experience the new itineraries, prompting the agency to develop multi-destination packages tailored to the expanded network.

At the launch ceremony, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan highlighted that both the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Hong Kong section of the high-speed rail have recorded over 100 million passenger trips since opening seven years ago.

"Under this double 100 million milestone, we can further enhance our services, bring more diverse tourism products and offer improved travelling convenience," she said.

"Besides the additional stations, there will also be more sleeper trains. The stops along the routes will become more diversified, including not just places with great food nearby, but also cultural and historical cities."

Meanwhile, MTR CEO Jeny Yeung said the company will continue working with the tourism sector to promote “high-speed rail tourism", boost cross-boundary travel and strengthen connectivity with the mainland.

Starting Tuesday, a series of limited-time promotions will be available, including a buy-one-get-one-free offer for Futian tickets and a HK$20 discount for travel to Futian or Guangzhounan.