On May 19, China Tourism Day, railway authorities announced a series of new travel services to boost tourism. From April to May, railway travel coupons will be distributed, and starting May 19, a “bring your bicycle along” service will be piloted on the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway.
A railway official stated that the number of travel products will be increased. From late April to late June, 179 tourist trains will be scheduled. On May 19, the “Panda Special Train·Jinxiu Tianfu” and the “Star of the Yangtze River Delta” premium tourist trains will make their debut.
Consumer-friendly discount campaigns will be launched. From May 10 to 31, the railway 12306 app’s “Railway Travel” section will offer discounts of 5.19 yuan, 51.9 yuan, and 519 yuan, applicable to all tourist train products listed. From April 20 to May 31, the “Hotel Accommodation” section will provide coupons for hotel bookings. From May 17 to 20, the “Dining” section will offer discounts at designated merchants. Registered users of railway 12306 can claim coupons in the corresponding sections.
Additionally, senior passengers will receive ticket discounts. Chinese citizens aged 60 and above can enjoy a 10% discount on the execution fare for certain high-speed train tickets purchased for travel between May 30 and June 30 during non-holiday weekday periods (Monday 12:00 to Friday 12:00), offering a “discount on top of a discount.” Those aged 60 and above holding disability certificates for military personnel, police officers, or national comprehensive fire rescue teams can enjoy an additional 10% discount on top of existing preferential fares.
Starting May 19, the “bring your bicycle along” service will be piloted at stations along the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway from Beijing North to Chongli. Cycling enthusiasts can apply via the 12306 app. After online service reservation and payment, passengers can bring compliant bicycles on the train following security checks and proper packaging storage.
Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway
The Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway is a 174-kilometer rail line connecting Beijing with Zhangjiakou in Hebei Province, which officially opened in December 2019. It was built to serve as a key transportation link for the 2022 Winter Olympics, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities to under an hour. The railway also holds historical significance, as it partially follows the route of China’s first-ever railway, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway, designed by Chinese engineer Zhan Tianyou in the early 20th century.
Panda Special Train·Jinxiu Tianfu
The “Panda Special Train·Jinxiu Tianfu” is a unique cultural tourism train in China that combines the charm of giant pandas with the scenic beauty of Sichuan Province. Launched in 2021, it offers luxury travel experiences, featuring panda-themed decor and routes through iconic destinations like Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou. The train reflects China’s efforts to promote eco-tourism and cultural heritage, building on the region’s long history of panda conservation and natural landscape appreciation.
Star of the Yangtze River Delta
The “Star of the Yangtze River Delta” typically refers to Shanghai, the region’s most prominent and dynamic city. Historically, Shanghai grew from a small fishing village into a major port after the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, later becoming a global financial hub. Today, it symbolizes the economic vitality and cultural fusion of the Yangtze River Delta, one of China’s most developed areas.
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Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway
The Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway is a landmark infrastructure project in China, officially opened in December 2019. It connects Beijing with Zhangjiakou, a key host city for the 2022 Winter Olympics, reducing travel time from over three hours to just 47 minutes. The railway also incorporates advanced technology, including the world’s first smart high-speed trains capable of autonomous operation, and passes through the historic Badaling Great Wall area.
Panda Special Train·Jinxiu Tianfu
The “Panda Special Train·Jinxiu Tianfu” is a luxury tourist train in China that combines travel with cultural experiences. Launched in 2021, it connects Chengdu to various scenic destinations in Sichuan Province, featuring panda-themed decor and high-end amenities. The train’s name reflects both the region’s iconic giant pandas and the historical “Jinxiu Tianfu” (Sichuan’s nickname as the “Land of Abundance”).
Star of the Yangtze River Delta
The “Star of the Yangtze River Delta” typically refers to Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis that serves as the economic and cultural hub of the region. Historically, Shanghai grew from a small fishing village into a major port city following the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, which opened it to foreign trade. Today, it symbolizes China’s rapid modernization and global influence, blending colonial-era architecture with futuristic skyscrapers.
Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway
The Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway, completed in 1909, was the first railway designed and built entirely by Chinese engineers, led by Zhan Tianyou. It connected Beijing to Zhangjiakou in Hebei Province and was a major engineering achievement, notably featuring a unique “switchback” design to overcome steep mountain terrain. Today, it remains an important historical symbol of China’s early railway development and national pride.
Chengdu
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China, renowned for its rich history dating back over 2,000 years as the center of the ancient Shu civilization. It is best known as the home of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a leading conservation center for the endangered giant panda. Additionally, the city played a key role in the Three Kingdoms period and is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine and vibrant teahouse culture.
Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou, meaning “Nine Village Valley,” is a stunning nature reserve and national park in Sichuan, China, renowned for its turquoise lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Its name comes from the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the valley, with a history as a remote, sacred area for the local Tibetan and Qiang peoples. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, and while it suffered damage from a 2017 earthquake, it has since been restored and remains a premier destination for its breathtaking landscapes.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a major global financial hub and cultural center in China, with a history dating back over a thousand years as a fishing village and small market town. It rapidly developed into a key port city in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly under foreign influence during the Treaty Port era, which shaped its unique blend of East and West. Today, Shanghai is renowned for its modern skyline, historic Bund waterfront, and vibrant cultural scene, reflecting its dynamic past and present.
Yangtze River Delta
The Yangtze River Delta is a major economic and cultural region in eastern China, centered around the mouth of the Yangtze River and including cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. Historically, it has been a fertile agricultural area and a hub for trade and culture for centuries, playing a key role in China’s development since the Tang and Song dynasties. Today, it is one of the most densely populated and economically dynamic regions in the world, driving much of China’s modern growth.
