Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
On May 29, the first international tourist train “China – Central Asia” with more than 200 passengers departed from the platform of the Xi’an railway station and headed west – to the Kazakh city of Almaty. Thus, a new channel of humanitarian exchanges linking China and Central Asia was opened.
Traveling in “cultural salons on wheels”
The train route includes a section in China and a section in Central Asia. For the convenience of passengers, the railway services of China and Kazakhstan have introduced a single procedure for border control. The full circular route takes 10 days.
“It’s very exciting! It’s my first time traveling abroad by train!” said Yu Min from Xi’an, heading to Kazakhstan.
The body of the tourist train is decorated with the theme of the “Golden Bridge of the Silk Road”, and the interior harmoniously interweaves elements of Xi’an architecture: the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, ancient city walls, the Bell Tower, as well as iconic landmarks of Kazakhstan. This creates a unique atmosphere of the charm of the Great Silk Road.
During the train ride, various events were held daily according to the schedule: presentations and master classes on traditional Chinese medicine, lectures on cultural heritage, exhibitions and interactive activities with elements of intangible cultural heritage, as well as live performances by calligraphers and artists, and theatrical performances. The active interaction of passengers of different nationalities became the most vivid embodiment of the dialogue of civilizations.
“The launch of the China-Central Asia International Tourist Train from Xi’an to Almaty is a clear example of how the railway promotes people-to-people exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative,” said Hui Lixia, deputy director of the Xi’an Office of China State Railway Corporation. “We have created a cozy, comfortable and culturally rich environment for passengers. Our goal is to make this special train a showcase of Shaanxi Province’s openness and a ‘Silk Road Express’ that brings together the peoples of China and Central Asian countries.”
Local residents are happy to participate in interactive activities
On May 31, the tourist train arrived in Almaty. In Kazakhstan, the tourists were given a ceremonial welcome: hospitable locals in national costumes greeted the guests who arrived from China with songs and dances. A series of bright events immediately began.
There were the expressive masks of the Qinqiang opera, the interior painting of “neihua”, the fine art of Xi’an paper cutting, the festive New Year popular prints of “nianhua”, and the iridescent colors of the Tang dyeing technique of “liucai”.
The cultural fair featured 10 intangible cultural heritage items that delighted Almaty residents. They watched the craftsmanship with interest and participated in master classes themselves, learning about Chinese culture.
The cultural exchange and archaeology program included three events: a photo exhibition, “The Breath of the Silk Road,” a visit to archaeological excavations, and thematic lectures that comprehensively revealed the cultural synthesis of eras and told the story of the dialogue of civilizations.
Paving New Paths for Mutual Connections
On June 7, the tourist train returned to Xi’an station, completing a 3,600-kilometer journey along the Silk Road, where steel rails became a bridge for cultural convergence.
“Today’s food is absolutely delicious! My friends and I really enjoyed it,” Meruert from Kazakhstan said happily after trying Xi’an lamb soup with pieces of bread.
2025 has been declared the “Year of China Tourism” in Kazakhstan, and the launch of the first international tourist train “China-Central Asia” from Xi’an to Almaty has not only opened a new channel for deepening mutual ties and people-to-people exchanges, but also pressed the “accelerate button” in China-Kazakhstan cooperation. This project will stimulate the development of tourism along the route, consumption growth and regional economic partnership, accelerate the integration of China and Central Asia in transportation, culture and other fields, and contribute to the creation of a closer community with a shared future.
(Editor: Deng Jie, Yang Qian)
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