Traveling by train: The integration of railway and tourism activates new consumption scenarios across the entire cultural and tourism chain

Railways are not only a means of transportation that connects all directions, but also have become a new scenario that activates the consumption of the entire cultural and tourism chain. From the red hot land to the vast grasslands to the magnificent northwest, the tourist trains integrating sightseeing, catering, entertainment and other functions connect the colorful cultural and tourism scenes across the country.

The integration of railway and tourism has created wonderful sparks, and "traveling by train" has become a new trend in the cultural tourism market. According to statistics, during the summer railway transportation period from July 1 to August 31 this year, a total of 699 tourist trains ran, including 415 special tourist trains and 284 special tourist lines.

Several special "Fifteenth Five-Year Plans" such as the "15th Five-Year Plan for Building a Tourism Power" and the "15th Five-Year Plan for Expanding Consumption" have made arrangements to promote the integration of culture and railways and optimize the supply of tourism trains. Reporters recently boarded a train to feel the enthusiasm for cultural tourism inspired by the integration of railways and hotels.

Trains connect red scenic spots, and old revolutionary areas become popular destinations

"My grandfather died during the Long March. Today I want to see the changes for him today!" On September 6, Liu Yang, a descendant of the Red Army martyrs in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, boarded Ruijin's first high-speed train G3998 bound for Yan'an.

About 10 descendants of the Red Army were on board the Long March High-Speed ​​Railway, which lasted 11 hours and 32 minutes. The train stopped at Yudu Station, and the Yudu County Changzhengyuan Choir sang "The Red Army Crosses the Changzhengyuan". Choir member Liu Ying is also a descendant of the Red Army. This is her second trip to Yan'an. "It was my first time to take a bus when I went to Yan'an. Now that there is a high-speed rail, it feels much more convenient." Liu Ying said.

"In the past, it took two or three transfers from Ruijin to Yan'an, but now the high-speed rail is direct, saving time and worry." Yang Liang, engineer of the Passenger Transport Department of China Railway Nanchang Bureau Group Co., Ltd., said that this line has built a convenient bridge for Ruijin and Yan'an to deepen cooperation in red cultural tourism and promote the revitalization and development of old revolutionary areas.

"The launch of this train allows Ruijin to explore cooperation with cities along the route in terms of mutual transportation of passengers and brand co-creation. Tourists from the northwest region can go directly to Ruijin without having to transfer." said Dai Juzi, Party Secretary and Director of the Ruijin Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau.

Ruijin, Yudu, Yan'an and other places have simultaneously launched a series of ticket stub policies to benefit the people. Passengers can enjoy free admission to local scenic spots, entertainment discounts, hotel concessions, special product consumption discounts and other benefits with the corresponding train ticket purchase voucher.

Many cultural and tourism practitioners have keenly seen opportunities, and Yang Fang is one of them. She specially bought a ticket for the first train and inspected the red cultural tourism market along the high-speed railway. "This road was paved with the flesh and blood of countless martyrs. We hope to polish this red tourist route so that more people can understand this history."

Along the Jiangxi Railway, red old sites, ancient villages and courtyards, green waters and green mountains are dotted all over the place. The railway connects these resources into a chain, turning "good scenery" into a "good place" for people to relax. Since the summer travel season this year, the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the China Railway Nanchang Bureau Group Co., Ltd. have chosen to name the K571/2 train "Long March Source" in regular operation, taking the opportunity of "commemorating the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's Long March". This "Long March Source" Jiangxi red tourism themed train connects many red landmarks along the line and has become an important carrier connecting tourists, scenic spots and cultural tourism services.

The K571 train arrives at Xingguo Station along the Beijing-Kowloon Railway and the Changjiang-Jiangxi High-speed Railway, which has drawn the popular "Xingguo Bend" here, making Xingguo County's red study and tourism continue to heat up.

The Hongxinggu Study and Travel Camp located in Xingguo County is the epitome of the railway empowering the cultural tourism industry. As a national 4A tourist attraction and a research and practice education base for primary and secondary school students in Jiangxi Province, the camp has received a total of about 400,000 study students and about 1.8 million tourists.

"Many parents boarded the train from Guangzhou on Friday afternoon, took their children to study in Xingguo during the weekend, and returned on Sunday evening. Tourists from Guangdong and Fujian accounted for nearly half of the station's passenger flow." Liu Qi, director of Xingguo Station, said that relying on the Beijing-Kowloon Railway, Xingguo's red resources have been transformed into hot "weekend consumption", and the old revolutionary base has become a popular destination for study tours in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Theme train decorated with intangible cultural heritage features, immersive experience of national customs

Arriving at Chengdu East Railway Station, when tourists approach the C5762 EMU train, the atmosphere of Tibetan and Qiang culture hits their faces. From Chengdu East Railway Station to Huangshengguan Station, this Sichuan-Qingdao Tourism Line theme train passes through the areas along the line and also brings intangible cultural heritage features to passengers.

Entering the car and taking a closer look, the Qiang-characteristic deer pattern is vividly displayed on the headrest of the car seat. Behind the small table, a travel map along the route comes into view. On the map, the transportation connection plans and scenic spots along the line such as Sanxingdui Station, Maoxian Station, Songpan Station, Huanglong Jiuzhai Station and other stations are clear at a glance.

The vehicle moved forward slowly, and the journey officially began. At this time, a gesture dance quietly kicked off. In front of me, the conductors on the train lined up in a row, waving their hands, completing each action one after another. Mr. Zhang, a Chongqing citizen who came to visit the Huanglong Jiuzhai area again, clapped his hands: "Compared with before, from car body decoration to in-car services, the national characteristics are now stronger!"

Along the way, there was constant laughter and laughter. While talking, the train was about to arrive at Gaochuan Station. "The home of medicinal materials, the place of wellness, the ecological blessing of Longmen Mountain, Gaochuan Station welcomes you." As the customized tourism broadcast sounded, passengers looked out one after another to appreciate the natural scenery on both sides.

"The Sichuan-Qingdao Tourist Line theme train officially launched in August this year. The train launched customized services such as one station and one broadcast, one card and one scenery, and one picture tour along the line." Train conductor Chen Xuli said.

As the train passed through Maoxian County, the passengers had just returned their vision to the car and watched the plateau scenery and folk customs along the train played on the on-board video system. A performance of intangible cultural heritage with national characteristics was joyfully staged.

The first thing that came to the eyes of the passengers was the Qiang flute solo. I saw the actor wearing a blue Qiang embroidered costume and a turban on his head, slowly walking into the carriage. Seeing this scene, some travelers couldn't help but chant poems in agreement.

Costume shows and folk song medleys were staged one after another. The actors wore red and blue national costumes, waistcoats and silver jewelry, singing and dancing. In the carriage, the passengers were smiling and applauding constantly.

"Qiang embroidery is a national intangible cultural heritage that has been passed down for more than a thousand years." Chen Xuli said that since the tourist train was launched, the railway department has cooperated with the Maoxian cultural and tourism department to organize actors to perform intangible cultural heritage performances to showcase the characteristics of the ethnic region and bring a different visual feast to passengers.

Near noon, the special delicacies of ethnic minority areas attracted many tourists. Yak high-calcium milk slices, tsampa milk tea, hand-shredded yak meat... many tourists bought snacks when they walked into the dining car. Among the many foods, the Tibetan Xiangganba Beef Set is loved by many travelers. "Our set menu has Tibetan characteristics, and the beef is tender and delicious. It enriches the travel options for travelers and is loved by everyone." Chen Xuli said.

Chen Xuli, a Qiang girl who has been working on the Sichuan-Qingdao Line EMU for nearly three years, has witnessed the growing popularity of this tourist route. Since the launch of the tourist train, China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has also cooperated with Sichuan Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture to launch a benefit initiative for the people to enjoy benefits by holding Sichuan-Qingdao tourist line themed train ticket stubs. "Passengers holding tickets to Maoxian County can enjoy a 10% discount on the entrance fee to the Ancient Qiang City. Holding a ticket to Songpan Station, they can visit the Songpan Ancient City Wall for free." Chen Xuli said that more and more tourists choose to take the high-speed train to check in for special tourism in ethnic areas.

"Looking at the Yellow Dragon in the Yaochi, rushing to the Jiuzhaigou Wonderland..." As the train travel announcement sounded again, the passengers in the carriage stood up and packed up, waiting to welcome the beautiful scenery ahead.

A special travel train for seniors to help the elderly have fun

On September 9, there was joy and laughter on the "Hospitality Shandong Qilu No. 1" train. A silver-haired tour group from Henan set off from Jinan to Mount Tai. "We are traveling to Shandong this time, and we made a special trip to experience the 'Qilu No. 1'." Passenger Ms. Li said, "Old people are most afraid of falling. As soon as we got on the bus, we saw the anti-slip floor mats, which made us feel more at ease."

What Ms. Li said is the most real change of "Qilu No. 1". This train was upgraded from a regular-speed green leather bus, and the entire bus has been modified to suit the needs of the elderly: non-slip floor mats are laid in the washroom, and power-assisted handrails are installed; reading glasses, sewing boxes, dental floss and other convenient items are always available in the carriage for easy access. Silent non-slip soft carpets are laid in the entire train aisle, which can buffer the slight shaking of the train and effectively ensure the walking safety of elderly passengers.

Last year, China Railway Jinan Bureau Group Co., Ltd., in conjunction with the Shandong Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government, launched the "Qilu No. 1" special tourist train that integrates railways and tourism, links roads and enterprises, and shares rides. It efficiently connects 11 cities, 22 stations, and more than 200 scenic spots in Shandong, creating a consumption scenario for night travel, day travel, and slow travel and deep travel.

There are nostalgic dining cars, gourmet dining cars, and casual dining cars on the train, and Shandong cultural and creative products are also on the train. Ms. Li picked up a product and was about to take a closer look, but she frowned: "It's broken, it's broken, I forgot my reading glasses. My child, do you have any reading glasses here?"

The "child" in Ms. Li's mouth is conductor Yin Xiaojin. She smiled broadly: "Auntie, please wait a moment, we have it." A pair of reading glasses was handed to her hand, and Ms. Li carefully looked at the layout of the car.

After a while, a special group of passengers came into the carriage. They were actors from the Shandong Peking Opera Company and performed regular performances on the train every week. As Teacher's Day is approaching, the actors have increased their schedule to present special programs to passengers.

"Island Ice Wheel is first turning..." the voice started to sing, and the passengers in the carriage were immediately attracted by the music. Before the end of the melodious moment, Hua Dan sang "Selling Water" again: "What mirror do you look at when you wake up early in the morning..." There was applause and cheers in the carriage.

As noon approached, I walked into the dining car and saw a dazzling array of Shandong delicacies such as Baozi Pork, Zhoucun Shaobing, and Dezhou Braised Chicken. Yin Xiaojin said: "The food at 'Qilu No. 1' is very down-to-earth. The meat is stewed until soft and the sauce is fragrant but not salty. The Taishan tofu balls are soft and tender, and the stir-fried vegetables are left crispy. Millet porridge, multigrain steamed buns, and egg custard are always on hand, so that 'the elderly can chew it and their stomachs can bear it.'"

As soon as the wheels stopped, Tarzan was outside the door. In the autumn wind, the silver-haired group calmly walked out of the station holding a small flag. The four words "Hospitable Shandong" on the body of the "Qilu No. 1" behind him are particularly eye-catching in the sun.

On the south side of the station square, a century-old German-style station building with red tiles and arched windows - Taishan Station Old Station Building - stands next to the railway. This is the former site of Tai'an Station of Jinpu Railway in 1909. After the opening of "Qilu No. 1", the old station building was revitalized into "Taian Cultural and Tourism Station + Jinpu Railway Tai'an Museum". On the first floor there are intangible cultural heritage, cultural creativity, Tai'an flavor, Xinhua Bookstore, and coffee and water bar. The second floor is the railway history and red memory exhibition. The front door is full of tourists checking in.

The old people touched the old wooden stairs, looked at the old photos of the Jinpu Railway, and rested and drank tea under the bell tower. It was like moving the journey of "Qilu No. 1" from the wheel into Tai'an's century-old memory. Since its launch on April 10, 2025, "Qilu 1" has carried a total of 1.273 million passengers.