Visiting Lijiang on train to Beijing

A high-speed train is now no longer just a means of transportation but a cultural ambassador of Lijiang, a famous tourist city in Southwest China's Yunnan province.

The high-speed train–No G406, featuring displays of Lijiang's ethnic culture and traditional customs, departed from Kunming to Beijing on Jan 23，carrying the city's ambitions to expand its tourism market and innovate tourism promotion.

Government leaders gather to send off the Lijiang-themed high-speed train from Kunming to Beijing on Jan 23. [Photo by Li Ning/xinhuanet.com.cn]

It will take the train about 12 hours to arrive at Beijingxi Station. The train is publicizing Lijiang's unique elements by showing its ethnic culture as well as its natural landscapes, local scenic spots and tourist products.

Examples of those products, such as glasses, small tables, baggage holders and headrests, are everywhere on the train, displayed beside images of Lijiang's beautiful scenery. Videos and audio messages are also being used to promote the city.

Lijiang Mayor Zheng Yi speaks at the train's press conference. [Photo by Li Ning/xinhuanet.com.cn]

"Lijiang is actively developing its tourism through availability of high-speed trains and the Lijiang-themed train will meet the demand of public tourism and integrate local tourist and transportation resources," said Zheng Yi, mayor of Lijiang.

Wen Shuqiong, deputy head of the Yunnan Tourism Development Commission, said, "The train will display and promote Lijiang's rich ethnic culture and tourist products to passengers traveling from Kunming to Beijing, marketing both tourism and rail transportation."

Statistics revealed that Lijiang received more than 40 million tourists in 2017, with total tourism revenue breaking 80 billion yuan.

The high-speed train themed on Lijiang's tourism and culture departs Kunming on Jan 23. [Photo by Li Ning/xinhuanet.com.cn]