Steaming off-screen: Jiayang train capitalizes on TV fame to draw crowds to enjoy stunning Sichuan scenery in spring

As "China Travel with Chinese Films" gains popularity, visitors are heading to Leshan City in southwest China's Sichuan Province to experience a cinematic spring aboard the Jiayang steam train.

In early spring, the narrow-gauge train in Qianwei County winds its way through vast fields of golden rapeseed blossoms, ushering in the year's tourism peak. Drawn by its retro charm and scenic beauty, both Chinese and international travelers are boarding what many fondly call "the train to spring" for sightseeing and photography.

The Jiayang steam train has served as a filming location for numerous movies, TV dramas and documentaries, including the Chinese film "Dream Train." It was also featured in BBC and NHK documentaries, showcasing the vast railway landscapes of the Chinese mainland through the lens of steam locomotives.

Today, the Jiayang line remains one of the world's few operational narrow-gauge steam passenger railways. It still preserves traditional manual operations from the steam era, including coal shoveling, hand braking and manual track switching. Often hailed as a "living fossil of the Industrial Revolution," the train blends industrial heritage with pastoral spring scenery, making it a sought-after cultural tourism destination where vintage nostalgia meets blooming romance.