As the Chinese New Year festivities draw near, Southwest China’s Yunnan province is witnessing a significant boost in travel, thanks to a recently inaugurated railway.
This crucial transportation infrastructure is already proving essential as it caters to the surge in passengers making their way home for the upcoming Spring Festival.
CGTN correspondent, Yang Jinghao, brings us the details.
WATCH: New railway in SW China embraces maiden Spring Festival travel rush
The capital city of Diqing Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Shangri-la, became accessible by rail just two months ago.
Since late January, the train connecting to Shangri-la has been bustling with passengers, marking the region’s first Spring Festival travel rush since the railway’s inauguration.
For individuals like Dorje, a local Tibetan resident and college student, the railway has made the journey back home more accessible.
Dorje, who is traveling by train for the first time, expressed his excitement, stating, “The railway’s opening has significantly facilitated our ability to travel. I can’t wait to celebrate the festival with my family.”
Diqing, known for its unique natural landscape and rich ethnic cultures, attracts not only residents but also tourists from various parts of the country.
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With the introduction of the high-speed train to the region, travelers like Zhang Hui and Peng Yichen find Meili Snow Mountain more easily accessible.
Zhang Hui mentioned, “The new railway has made travel much more accessible.”
To accommodate the growing demand during this travel peak, the railway department has increased the number of trains and implemented measures to better serve passengers.
Train conductor Yu Ruofei explained the precautions taken for high-altitude areas, including providing medication for high-altitude sickness and free oxygen bags for passengers feeling unwell during the journey.
Local residents see the railway as a symbol of hope and possibility.
Larong Wangdu, another Tibetan resident, expressed his hope that the railway would bring more people to the region, boosting the local economy, especially the tourism industry.
As the Spring Festival approaches, the railway not only signifies improved connectivity but also highlights the nation’s commitment to better infrastructure, making it easier for families and tourists alike to celebrate the festival together.
The ongoing travel rush serves as a reminder of a nation that is more interconnected than ever, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.
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