A special train service was inaugurated on Thursday, connecting Shenzhen City in southern China's Guangdong Province with Chenzhou City in central China's Hunan Province, to facilitate a cross-regional football match.
The Y888 train departed from Shenzhen, carrying nearly 1,000 players, fans, and family members, and arrived in Chenzhou at 16:30 to cheer on the Hunan Football League, also known as "Xiang Chao."
The return train is scheduled to leave Chenzhou on Saturday, ensuring a smooth transition for fans to enjoy the match while allowing them to return to work on time.
According to railway officials, the service represents an innovative exploration of the synergy between rail transport and sports.
"The launch of the special train service for fans provides a convenient, efficient, and safe way for them to reach the stadium, creating a mobile cheering squad that ignites their passion for football all the way to the match," said Meng Lingzhao, a staff member at Shenzhen East Station.
Special Train service facilitates cross-region football match in central China
Beijing City is intensifying its efforts to enhance public well-being in response to the growing demand from residents for more flexible services.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the Beijing Government Service Center will offer select high-demand personal services on weekends and most public holidays, including vehicle and driver's license processing, certificate applications, passport services, and other frequently used services.
"This year, we received feedback from residents and made targeted adjustments, including setting up a 24-hour self-service area and reorganizing service counters, to make the process simpler and more efficient," said Yan Dongdong, director of Beijing Municipal Government Service Center.
Most services can now be handled online, with offline assistance also available, significantly reducing waiting time at service counters.
"There used to be long lines. Now, once we arrive, things are handled very quickly," said a Beijing resident.
"I made an appointment online. Everything was done smoothly and quickly when I arrived here," said another Beijing resident.
The center now brings together 60 government departments, offering more than 2,300 services in one location, making public services more accessible and efficient.
The center has also introduced reading services and exhibition areas for cultural displays, expanding its role as a more open and people-centered public space.
Beijing expands government service hours to meet public demand
