Forest train blazes trail of tourism in NE China
China Daily | Updated: 2023-06-29 09:40
HARBIN — A newly launched tourist train is offering travelers to Northeast China's Heilongjiang province a new experience in enjoying the scenery of its signature emerald forests.
Lying back on comfortable seats and sipping freshly brewed tea, passengers on the 15-carriage train Lindu, meaning "forest capital", were amazed by the magnificent view of the Lesser Hinggan Mountains.
"We can now enjoy the beautiful scenery and attentive service at the same time," said Zhang Wei, a passenger on the train.
On June 18, the train began its first trip from the provincial capital of Harbin to the city of Yichun, offering over 200 passengers an eight-hour experience of natural wonders.
The train has an exterior design featuring red pines, mountain stones and snowflakes, as well as a slogan for the train: "A home heading for the forest".
"I am quite satisfied with the facilities and services on this train. It is just like a hotel on tracks," Zhang added.
The train provides passengers with personalized dining, concierge service for each compartment on the sleeper cars, and introductions of scenic spots, said Lin Hongyu, a crew member on the train.
"We hope to create a 'home away from home' in the forest for tourists aboard our train," Lin added.
The train is operated by the Yichun Tourism Development Group and the Harbin railway culture and tourism group.
After its debut and a series of trial runs, the plan is to eventually launch three new routes in the eastern, central and western parts of Heilongjiang to attract more tourists, operators said.
Wang Rongjiang, assistant to the chairman of Yichun Tourism Development Group, said that the operation of the train will expand exchanges and cooperation between Yichun and other cities.
Wang hopes the train will attract more investors to Yichun and generate new momentum for tourism in the Lesser Hinggan Mountains region.
"Part of the railway for this train trip has been operating since 1941," said Wang. "Now this new train has given it new life."
Xinhua
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