Panda-themed tourist train takes passengers on 8,000-km journey in west China

A new panda-themed tourist train route from southwest China's Chengdu City has been launched, blending sightseeing with immersive cultural experiences in a more than 8,000-kilometer journey across western China for domestic and foreign visitors.

Named "Panda Train Chengdu", the tourist train links Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province, with numerous famous attractions like the cities of Kashgar, Yining, Urumqi and Turpan in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Decorated with images, paintings and mascots of the panda like other "Panda Trains", the new train stands out with its deep blue body and golden patterns, representing Sichuan's mountains and rivers.

At the send-off event, the guests enjoyed cultural shows, including folk dances, tea art performances, and craft demonstrations.

Nearly 60 percent of the train's maiden voyage passengers are international visitors.

"I think the event is very cool. I've never been on a train that kind of goes around a place. In general, staying on a train overnight was a pretty cool experience. So, I'm excited," said U.S. tourist Yong Kaitlyn Olivia.

The train boasts a user-friendly space design, adjustable air conditioning, wide scenic windows, ultra-quiet cabins, and enhanced smart facilities and systems, all designed to provide passengers with an optimal viewing and living experience.

It is also equipped with massage chairs, a full-service dining car and a play area for children.

Constructed to meet high-star hotel standards, the train is staffed by 18 "panda butlers," seven vacation ambassadors, eight professional chefs, and a 50-member support team dedicated to offering 24/7 services to the passengers.

Launched in 2021, "panda train" acts as both a coach and a hotel, transporting tourists between scenic spots along the rail route while offering accommodation, catering and entertainment.

It is one of the new travel modes that have gained prominence as China's tourism market picks up momentum.

Thanks to the country's expanding visa-free policies, China has surged in popularity as a travel destination among international tourists, with "China Travel" going viral on global social media platforms.

Meanwhile, more and more Chinese cities are experiencing a boom in foreign tourist visits.

In Xinjiang, visitors can enjoy local traditions such as horse milk wine on the Narat Grassland, and listen to a Dombra musical performance, immersing themselves in local traditions.

In the ancient city of Kashgar, tourists can don traditional attire and appreciate the charm of an ethnic minority Chinese culture.

In Beijing and some other places, foreign travelers can enjoy free half-day tours and tailored cultural experiences.

Foreign tourists are also venturing beyond major cities to find hidden gems, such as sipping Qingzhuan tea in the ancient town of Yangloudong in central China's Hubei Province, and birdwatching in Mingxi County in east China's Fujian Province.

Panda-themed tourist train takes passengers on 8,000-km journey in west China

Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez said on Sunday that the country is at a critical stage and must achieve national unity, emphasizing that maintaining internal cohesion is of utmost importance.

In a televised address, Rodriguez called on the public to continue trusting the government under the current highly complex political circumstances.

Her statement comes in the wake of a January 3 military operation conducted by the United States, during which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were taken into custody and flown out of the country.

The operation resulted in at least 100 fatalities.

Rodriguez, who was sworn in as acting president two days later on January 5, framed her appeal for unity against this backdrop of external intervention.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Minister of Communication and Information Freddy Nanez denounced the U.S. actions as a "war crime of the 21st century" when speaking at an international cultural event on Sunday.

Nanez condemned not only the January 3 airstrikes but also the associated cyber and electromagnetic attacks.

He accused the United States of violating international law through the forced removal of President Maduro and his wife, while attacks on civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, represent a flagrant breach of humanitarian norms.

He reiterated that the stigmatization and military attacks against Venezuela are driven by economic interests, particularly the desire to control its abundant natural resources.

Venezuelan acting president calls for national unity amid complex situation