The launch of the "Flower Viewing Express" in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, has turned once routine commuter routes into vibrant seasonal journeys, with trains departing every eight minutes to ancient city of Hanzhong and other scenic destinations in the province.
Passengers can reach golden rapeseed fields, blooming cherry trees, and lush pear blossoms, all within a one-hour ride from urban centers.
"This line was traditionally dominated by business commuters, but since mid-March, its transformed into a hotspot for sightseers - young travelers and families with children - all cameras in hand. The Flower Viewing Express has driven a major surge in passengers, and we now operate approximately 160 daily departures," said Guo Dingjing, train captain with the Xi'an Passenger Transport Division.
One of the most popular destinations is Hanzhong, where vast fields of rapeseed flowers create a golden sea each spring. With high-speed rail now connecting Xi'an to Hanzhong in about an hour, office workers can leave their desks and reach the flower fields in roughly the time it takes to finish lunch.
"The operation of the Flower Viewing Express has changed tourism here overnight. Last weekend broke all records with 100,000 visitors in a single day! We've evolved way beyond just flower viewing. Now visitors can dress up in traditional hanfu, sample amazing local food, even get professional photos taken. People come for the flowers, but stay longer because of all these new experiences," said Long Mei, community development director of the Laojun Town of Hanzhong City.
Hanfu refers to the traditional clothing system of the Han people -- China's ethnic majority.
With efficient scheduling and smooth connections, high-speed trains have turned scattered scenic spots into a unified spring circuit.
"I'm not local. Before, I rarely came to see the flowers because it required driving or taking a bus. Now, with the special 'flower express' running every weekend, I can come all the time to take photos," said a tourist.
China's high-speed trains for viewing flowers fuel spring tourism boom
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
