Almaty (TDI): The inaugural tourist train connecting Xi’an, the capital of China’s Shaanxi province, with Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, departed on Thursday, marking a new chapter in cross-border tourism and cultural exchange.
The national railway operator, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), said that the departure ceremony was held in Xi’an and attended by a Kazakh delegation led by KTZ Deputy Chairman Anuar Akhmetzhanov, along with representatives from Chinese authorities, tourism agencies, and transport bodies.
Akhmetzhanov said that the project aims to boost cultural relations and bilateral tourism. “We hope that this journey will leave an enduring impression on our guests from China and lay the foundation for new joint ventures,” he said.
Read More: Kazakhstan’s Terminal in Xi’an Boosts China-Europe Trade
The train will run through Urumqi in Xinjiang, cross the Kazakh-Chinese border at Khorgos, and cross the Altynkol station to Almaty. It comprises nine carriages and is carrying 246 passengers, including Chinese businesspeople, academics, entertainers, and athletes.
During their five-day trip, passengers will explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Kazakhstan’s southern capital, attend the organized tours, and participate in cultural and business events.
Read More: Container Traffic Through China-Kazakhstan Terminal in Xi’an Surge
Xi’an also holds strategic significance for Kazakhstan as the site of a Kazakh-operated logistics terminal.
This facility has considerably boosted rail container traffic along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, a major corridor connecting China and Europe via Kazakhstan.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
