Russian Railways plans to launch tourist trains to China — the project is expected to be implemented next year. Currently, the company offers 120 tourist routes, including trips to Belarus, North Korea and Abkhazia. By 2028, they want to increase the number of such trains to 131. We are looking into what this will give travelers.
Russian Railways plans to launch tourist trains to China. Russian Railways is considering the possibility of launching tourist trains to China. According to the company’s plans, the project can be implemented as early as next year. This will open up new opportunities for traveling by rail and allow tourists to get to know the culture of a neighboring country in a comfortable environment. Currently, Russian Railways offers 120 tourist trains, of which 78 run long-distance. Trips to Belarus, North Korea and Abkhazia are already available among foreign destinations.
By the beginning of 2028, the company plans to expand the network: the total number of tourist trains should grow to 131, and long—distance routes to 87. What awaits passengers Tourist trains differ from the usual trains with an increased level of comfort. They include: sleeping cars with showers; dining cars with a varied menu; lecture halls where educational lectures and master classes are held; bar cars with karaoke for evening entertainment; SPA areas for rest and relaxation; entertainment systems in the compartment. This format allows you to turn a trip into a full-fledged journey: passengers do not just move from point A to point B, but get impressions on the way.
The history of railway communication with China Regular rail service between Moscow and Beijing operated until February 2020, but was interrupted due to the pandemic. The situation began to change: in February of this year, Russian Railways launched a train from Irkutsk to China. This route was the first step towards restoring cross-border transportation and showed the demand for such trips. Why it’s important The launch of tourist trains to China can be a significant event for travel enthusiasts. The advantages of this format are: no need for flights — the trip takes place in a calm rhythm; the opportunity to see the landscapes of Russia and China from the train window; an integrated approach: everything is included — from food to entertainment; safety and predictability of the timetable; accessibility for those who do not like air travel or have a fear of heights.
In addition, the development of cross-border tourist routes strengthens cultural and economic ties between countries, promotes the growth of interest in educational tourism and makes long-distance travel more comfortable. The details of the new route have not yet been disclosed: it is unknown what the schedule will be, how long the trip will take and what the ticket price will be. However, the very fact of working on the project indicates the company’s desire to expand the geography of tourist trips and offer passengers new experiences. This news is especially interesting for Muscovites and residents of the Moscow region who like to travel around Russia and beyond. Now, when international trips require careful planning, the advent of a direct tourist train to China will simplify the organization of holidays: you can choose a comfortable format without flights and long transfers. This may change your plans for the next year. For example, you may decide to postpone your air travel and try a new type of tourism.