Shenyang Railway Bureau launches tourist train to Xinjiang

A special train carrying 600 tourists arrived in Tarbagatay prefecture in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on May 30. The arrival of the train marked the beginning of this year’s “Support Xinjiang” tourism service.

The special train service is the Shenyang Railway Bureau’s attempt at boosting economic and cultural cooperation between Northeast and Northwest China. It is also a way for Liaoning and Jilin provinces to help Tarbagatay prefecture reduce poverty by developing the tourism industry.

The “Yuanjianghao” tourist train started operating on May 23, making a 16-day journey along the 9,000-kilometer railway route and passing through 26 scenic spots in Northwest China.

The train departs from Longjing Station and stops at Shenyang North Station, Liuyuan Station, Datong Station, Turpan Station, and Urumqi South Station before finally arriving at Tarbagatay prefecture.

The train offers tourists a chance to appreciate some beautiful scenery, which consists of dense forests, vast grasslands, desolate deserts, and majestic mountains. It also gives them an opportunity to experience the cultures of some minority ethnic groups such as Kazak, Daur, Xibe, and Uygur.

The train service is mainly targeted at middle-aged and elderly tourists, and the trains are equipped with modern facilities and comfortable beds, allowing tourists to enjoy a slow and pleasant 16-day journey.

Several tourist trains that regularly serve the travel route will continue operating on the second half of the route.