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| Performers dance in a carriage of a train (Photo by Wang Mingzhu/For chinadaily.com.cn) |
Southwest China's Yunnan province has long been celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and blooming seasons. Now, a newly launched flower-viewing-themed train connecting Kunming to Shangri-La is drawing a fresh wave of tourists—and redefining the travel experience across the region.
The route, which threads through some of Yunnan’s most iconic destinations like Dali and Lijiang, takes full advantage of the recently completed Lijiang–Shangri-La railway. Cutting the journey time from Kunming to Shangri-La by more than half, from ten hours to just under five, the line is breathing new life into tourism across western Yunnan.
A Journey Through Blossoms, Culture, and High Mountains
The inter-city C122 train is not your typical mode of transportation. With interiors adorned with floral designs and carriages offering live ethnic dance performances, the train immerses passengers in Yunnan’s cultural richness before they even arrive at their destination. Authentic Tibetan cuisine is served on board, adding flavor to the journey and a deeper connection to the region.
As the train passes through blooming cherry orchards and rolling hills covered with rhododendrons, travelers experience a seamless blend of natural wonder and cultural heritage—all while comfortably seated.
Railways Drive Growth in Ethnic Towns and Local Livelihoods
In Dali, train travel is quickly becoming a major tourism driver. The city’s railway station handled over 2.7 million passengers in the first quarter of 2025, a six percent increase from the previous year. Local businesses, like those in Dali’s ancient town, are feeling the positive effects. Shop-owner Zhang Hao has seen tie-dye classes inspired by the Bai ethnic group grow in popularity, with multiple daily sessions now a regular feature.
Lijiang, another stop on the line, has used its rail connectivity to introduce a sightseeing train that links the city’s ancient town to the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain. Passengers enjoy panoramic views from UV-protected, tinted glass windows in carriages that reflect the traditional aesthetics of the Naxi ethnic group. In 2024 alone, Lijiang recorded over 60 million tourist visits, generating nearly 100 billion yuan in tourism revenue.
A Gateway to Shangri-La, the Land of Tranquility
High in the Tibetan Plateau, Shangri-La is the final stop on this blooming route. Once remote and difficult to access, the city is now connected by modern rail to the rest of Yunnan. At 3,300 meters above sea level, Shangri-La Railway Station is Yunnan’s highest passenger hub, designed for comfort with underfloor heating and trilingual services in Mandarin, Tibetan, and English.
The new connectivity is already paying off. In just the first quarter of this year, over 430,000 passengers passed through Shangri-La station—a 42 percent rise from the same period last year. With the peak flower season approaching, those numbers are expected to climb further.
Local Voices, Global Reach
For residents like He Huiqiong, a Naxi dancer in Lijiang, the boom in train tourism is personal. She sees increased opportunities for cultural exchange and income for her family. “As more people visit my hometown, our culture is appreciated not just by tourists but also by ourselves. We see our future differently now,” she shared.
International travelers, too, are embracing the change. Spanish visitor Pauline Hernandez praised the efficiency and comfort of China’s rail system after using it to travel from Kunming to Shangri-La and planning further journeys through the country.
Railways Connect People, Culture, and Nature
Yunnan’s strategic development of its railway network is more than a transportation upgrade—it’s a regional transformation. With shorter travel times and thoughtfully designed tourism experiences, the province is drawing visitors deeper into its landscapes and closer to its people. From cherry blossoms to mountain peaks, Yunnan’s flower-viewing trains are a celebration of nature, culture, and connection.
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For more information on train tourism in Yunnan and railway travel schedules, visit:
http://www.china.org.cn/travel/
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