(ECNS) -- At 11:04 a.m. on Sunday, the G828 high-speed train departed Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, directly for Hong Kong, marking the first train to operate along this route.

　　Round trip between “Silk Road’s starting point” and “Pearl of the Orient”

　　Xi'an is the starting point of the Silk Road, while Hong Kong is a major global hub for finance, trade, shipping, and innovation. Launch of the high-speed rail service connecting the “Silk Road’s starting point”and the “Pearl of the Orient” is expected to inject new momentum into economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges and cooperation between northwest China and Hong Kong.

　　The G828 high-speed train departs Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, directly for Hong Kong, on Jan. 5, 2024. (Photo:China News Service/ Zhang Yuan)

　　On Sunday, the inaugural G828/5 train departed Xi’an North Railway Station at 11:04 a.m., passing through major stations like Huashan North, Luoyang’s Longmen, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, and Guangzhou South, to arrive in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon at 9:09 p.m., taking 10 hours and 5 minutes.

　　The G826/7 train departed Hong Kong at 9:07 a.m. and arrived in Xi’an at 8:01 p.m., taking 10 hours and 54 minutes.

　　Starting from Sunday, daily direct high-speed rail services between Xi'an and Hong Kong will operate with CR400BF-Z Fuxing bullet trains, offering comfort and sufficient capacity for passengers.

　　Experiencing the charm of Chang’an and Hong Kong in two themed carriages

　　To enhance the travel experience for passengers on the inaugural Xi’an-Hong Kong train, Xi'an Railway Bureau carefully designed themed carriages.

　　The No. 10 carriage, themed “Impressions of Chang’an,” features panels and windows adorned with two traditional Chinese scroll paintings. Chang’an is the ancient site located near the today’s Xi'an.

　　The scrolls have a base color with embedded auspicious cloud patterns, symbolizing good fortune. The window decals incorporate illustrations of the “24 Solar Terms of Chang'an,” showcasing the bustling life and rich cultural history of this ancient site.

　　In contrast, the “Impressions of Hong Kong” themed carriage features a modern mosaic design on the windows, highlighting local scenery, iconic tea restaurants, neon signs, and other signature elements. This design gives passengers a taste of Hong Kong’s unique atmosphere before arrival.

　　Walking between the two carriages feels like a journey through time and space, bridging the ancient and modern, and connecting Shaanxi and Hong Kong.

　　“I didn't expect this inaugural train to have so many unique features,” said Mr. Li, a passenger from Xi’an traveling to Hong Kong to visit relatives, “The themed carriages are very immersive, making this journey truly unforgettable".

　　A lion dance performance is held at the launch ceremony for the inaugural Fuxing high-speed train service between Xi’an North and Hong Kong’s West Kowloon on Jan. 5, 2024. (Photo:China News Service/ Zhang Yuan)

　　Cultural displays bring joyful experience to passengers

　　At the Xi’an-Hong Kong train launch site, Xi’an Railway Bureau set up five cultural display zones showcasing Shaanxi’s history, Hong Kong’s urban scenery, local cuisines along the route, and intangible cultural heritage.

　　Passengers took photos and received a stamp by showing their inaugural train tickets. Additionally, flash mobs like the Ansai waist drum dance and lion dance gave passengers a special experience.

　　Besides, Xi’an Railway Bureau, in collaboration with the Beilin District Bureau of Culture, Tourism, and Sports, launched a mobile museum on the train.

　　Duan Yue, the cultural and tourism ambassador of Beilin, appeared in traditional Hanfu attire and showcased iconic Beilin intangible cultural heritage works to passengers. The exquisite paper-cutting art and finely crafted shadow puppets received much admiration.

　　Additionally, passengers could enjoy cultural and creative works displayed in the dining car or scan the digital museum-themed posters on the windows to enter VR panoramic mode. This allowed them to virtually explore the Beilin Museum, Xi'an Museum, and other online exhibitions, experiencing a thousand-year digital journey while traveling by train.

　　Enhancing service quality for better travel

　　The Xi’an-Hong Kong train crew debuted in new uniforms, welcoming passengers from both regions with a fresh look.

　　“To ensure a premium travel experience, we underwent six weeks of intensive training in business etiquette, service skills, Hong Kong lifestyle customs, and communication in Cantonese, English, and sign language,”said Li Jishuangzi, the train service manager.

　　Launch of the direct Xi’an-Hong Kong train not only provides convenience for passengers traveling between the two cities but also enriches the multi-layered transportation network between them, promoting deeper cooperation and exchanges.

　　As economic, talent, and cultural collaborations between Shaanxi and Hong Kong deepen, this train, spanning more than a thousand kilometers, will further shorten the distance between the two regions, boosting Shaanxi's collaborative development with Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.