China-Central Asia tourism train starts regular operation

The Y499 tourism train set off from Xi'an to Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Sept 14, marking the China-Central Asia tourism train's move from pilot operation to regular service.

Passengers and staff members pose for a group photo at Xi'an Railway Station before departure. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

The train's journey takes 15 days. It uses a full consist of 25T soft sleeper carriages, with two additional 19K premium soft sleeper carriages attached. It also features a variety of cabin types, including four-berth compartments, double rooms, and king-bed suites, some equipped with private shower and toilet facilities.

Adopting an operation model based around customized premium small groups, the train offers exclusive travel services focusing on in-depth cultural experiences.

"The first train trip in June spanned 16 days. This journey has been shortened by one day while retaining all core sightseeing stops," said Lu Hangxiao, an engineer of China Railway Xi'an Group Co. "According to feedback from passengers on the last trip, we have worked with relevant railway authorities to optimize transit arrangements and cut unnecessary waiting time on the route, reserving more time for sightseeing and cultural visits."

Immersive cultural activities will be held throughout the journey, including intangible cultural heritage handicraft workshops, ethnic song and dance performances, and opportunities to experience Silk Road ethnic musical instruments.

Passengers experience intangible cultural heritage handicrafts on the train. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

Zhang Jun, general manager of China Xi'an Overseas Tourist Co., said, "We plan to launch the third China-Central Asia cultural tourism train in late October of this year, and the itinerary will be upgraded to an in-depth tour in Kazakhstan. More cultural and heritage sites will be added to further enrich the supply of cross-border cultural tourism offerings."

China Railway Xi'an Group Co will continue to deepen cooperation with local cultural and tourism authorities to expand the cross-border cultural tourism market along the Silk Road, improve train service quality and create more scenarios for cross-border cultural exchanges, injecting new vitality into the development of the Belt and Road Initiative.