The ambitious tourist train linking Xi’an in Shaanxi Province on the Chinese mainland with Almaty, Kazakhstan, embarked on its inaugural voyage on Thursday—a new milestone for cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Loaded with 234 eager travellers, the train rolled out just past noon, promising a 57-hour cross-border adventure.
Passengers will journey through two distinct segments: a scenic sweep across the northwest of the Chinese mainland and a border-crossing leg into Kazakhstan’s steppe. “Each one-way trip takes about 57 hours,” explains railway official Hui Lixia. After arriving in Almaty on Saturday, the train will turn back on June 5 and return to Xi’an by June 7.
For digital nomads and young explorers, this isn’t just a transport link—it’s an immersive cultural corridor. From sampling street foods at border towns to sharing panoramic steppe vistas on social feeds, travellers are set to experience a blend of history and modern flair. Business and tech enthusiasts also see promise: enhanced rail connectivity could unlock new markets, spur tourism startups, and foster cross-border green logistics.
As rail journeys often boast a lower carbon footprint than flights, the Xi’an–Almaty service appeals to eco-conscious adventurers. By weaving together ancient Silk Road routes with 21st-century rail technology, this train is more than a ride—it’s a story of global connection, sustainability, and the enduring spirit of exploration.
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Tourist train linking China's Xi'an, Kazakhstan's Almaty sets off
cgtn.com
