As the Chinese New Year draws near people across the Chinese mainland are setting off on their journeys home for family reunions. On the first day of this year's Spring Festival travel rush, a special celebration unfolded on the China-Laos Railway. Yang Jinghao has the story.
A rolling celebration on the China-Laos Railway. With carriages turned into stages, people from cities along the route presented unique performances to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, the most important festival on the calendar.
YANG WEN, Performer "Today is the first time our singing group has performed on a train. It's also our first time being this close to the audience. It feels really special, and we're so happy."
SOUTHIKIAT THAVISOUK, Host from Laos "I feel truly honored and excited today to ride this train of friendship on the first day of the Spring Festival travel rush, spending such wonderful moments with my Chinese friends."
The cross-border railway connects Kunming, the provincial capital of southwest China's Yunnan, with Vientiane, the capital of Laos. It began service in late 2021.
YANG JINGHAO, China-Laos Railway, Yunnan Province "Official data shows the 1,000-plus-kilometer rail link has handled some 45 million passenger trips so far. It's become a vital connector, fostering people-to-people exchanges and making journeys home for major occasions like the Spring Festival more convenient."
PONGDONG PAXAPHACDY, Consul General, Consulate General of Laos in Kunming "Since the launch of our international train service, we've witnessed a significant increase in the flow of travelers between China and Laos. It's also strongly boosted our bilateral trade. At the same time, it showcases to the world that China's railway technology is truly world-class."
The rail link has also greeted even more international passengers, as China introduces a range of visa-free policies.
JONAS GORLO, Traveler from Germany "Germany was one of the first countries to actually get the visa free access to China, and I was very happy about it. Now to be able to just leave the airport, stay in China for a week is perfect for us. It's so quick, it's so convenient."
Passengers say the special celebration marks the beginning of a new year filled with hope, as the railway continues to foster ties between people and cultures across borders. YJH, CGTN, on the China-Laos Railway.