Photo shows an opera house in Astana, Kazakhstan. (Photo courtesy of Xinjiang Western Regions Intl Travel Service Co., Ltd.)

The first China-Central Asia cultural tourism train, linking Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, with Almaty, Kazakhstan, recently completed its first round trip, marking the opening of a new channel for deepening connectivity and promoting people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Central Asia.

The tourist-dedicated train, Y29, departed from Xi'an with more than 200 passengers on the morning of May 29, and arrived in Almaty on the evening of May 31.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. on June 7, the train returned to Xi'an, concluding a meaningful 3,600-kilometer journey that brought hearts closer and cultures together along the Silk Road.

The train operates under a segmented transportation model, with the domestic and international sections handled respectively by the Chinese and Kazakh railway authorities, who work closely to ensure seamless one-stop customs clearance for passengers.

The train's exterior features the theme "a golden bridge on the Silk Road", while the interior is adorned with iconic elements from both countries, including Xi'an's Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, ancient city walls, and Bell Tower, as well as landmark architecture from Kazakhstan—bringing the charm of the ancient Silk Road vividly to life.

During the journey, cultural events such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrations, lectures on traditional culture, hands-on intangible cultural heritage experiences, live calligraphy and painting sessions, and traditional Chinese opera performances were held daily, allowing passengers from different countries to enjoy active interactions.

"I'm so excited. This is my first time traveling abroad by train!" said Yu Min, a passenger from Xi'an.

"The launch of the China–Central Asia cultural tourism train is a vivid example of how railways can serve as a platform for people-to-people exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)," said Hui Lixia, deputy director of the passenger transport department at China Railway Xi'an Group Co., Ltd.

"We aim to create a warm and immersive environment for travelers, so as to turn the train into a 'moving calling card' of Shaanxi and a true 'Silk Road express train' that helps strengthen the people-to-people bonds between China and Central Asian countries," Hui said.

A grand welcome ceremony and a series of cultural exchange activities were held after the train arrived in Almaty. Local residents in traditional Kazakh attire greeted Chinese passengers with music and dance, and demonstrations of 10 representative items of China's intangible cultural heritage captivated citizens of Almaty.

Visitors experienced the artistry of painted masks of Shaanxi's Qinqiang Opera, Shaanxi-style inside painting, delicate paper-cutting works made with techniques popular in Xi'an, festive woodblock New Year prints, and the vibrant colors of Tang Liu Cai, an ink painting technique on water invented in China's Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).

Cultural and archaeological exchange events, including a photo exhibition, onsite archaeological tours, and themed lectures, were also held during the 10-day journey, providing multidimensional insights into the legacy and modern glory of the Silk Road and stories of mutual learning among civilizations.

"The food was amazing today—my friends and I really enjoyed it!" said a Kazakh passenger, after savoring the traditional Xi'an dish Yang Rou Pao Mo, or mutton soup with soaked bread.

As 2025 marks the China tourism year in Kazakhstan, the launch of the first China–Central Asia cultural tourism train (Xi'an–Almaty) is believed to be an effective "booster" for in-depth cooperation between China and Kazakhstan.

The train is expected to promote the development of the tourism sector in countries along its route, drive consumption, inject vitality into regional economic development, and advance integration in transportation, culture, and other fields between China and Central Asia, thus contributing to the building of a closer China–Central Asia community with a shared future.