Railway station launches first tourist train to Xinjiang

Shanghai West Railway Station launched its first tourist train to Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on Sept 9, carrying 504 passengers from the Yangtze River Delta region on an 18-day journey across Northwest China.

The Y416 train is the station's first to travel outside the Yangtze River Delta region since its renovation in 2010. It will travel through popular destinations like Lanzhou in Gansu province, Xining in Qinghai province, and Kashgar, Urumqi, and Turpan in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region before returning to Shanghai on Sept 26.

The train caters primarily to middle-aged and elderly travelers, equipped with soft-sleeper compartments, USB charging ports, and on-board medical staff.

It offers a seamless travel experience, allowing passengers to visit multiple destinations without changing cabins.

Tickets cost around 9,000 yuan ($1,200) per person, covering accommodation, meals, and guided tours.

Passengers were highly satisfied with the age-friendly tourist train.

Zhu Wenjie, 58, who traveled with her father, noted, "This train has no age restrictions. It offers a leisurely and comfortable experience for the elderly."

Another traveler, Zhao Juliang, 77, noted the proximity of Shanghai West Station to his home in Putuo district.

The initiative aligns with Putuo district's strategy to enhance Shanghai West Railway Station’s role as a regional tourism hub.

Local authorities plan to develop themed travel products to promote cultural and economic connectivity along the Yangtze River Delta.

In the first half of 2024, Shanghai West Railway Station recorded over 350,000 passenger trips, a 30.52 percent year-on-year increase, underscoring its growing role as a key transit and tourism gateway.