Int'l travelers enjoy convenience of efficient transportation system in China

China's transportation system is helping tourists explore different parts of the country more efficiently and conveniently.

South China's Hainan Province has welcomed an increase in the number of international flights and foreign travelers since the official launch of its island-wide independent customs operation last December.

Taking the island-circling high-speed rail for sightseeing is fast becoming a highlight of inbound tourism itineraries, with 100 to 200 foreign tourists often embarking on a single train.

"The train is comfortable and fast. We can buy food and beverages on board, and also pastries. Very nice!" said a tourist from Russia.

Hainan's railway authorities have coordinated with travel agencies to streamline ticketing procedures for inbound tour groups, and also introduced multilingual translation services.

In east China's Yangtze River Delta, some foreigners find taking high-speed trains is even more convenient than taking planes.

"I love traveling. I often take the high-speed rail or subway from Hangzhou to other cities for sightseeing. The high-speed rail is very clean, the fares are low, and the trains are quiet and fast," said a Russian student studying in Hangzhou City, in Zhejiang Province.

In Jinan City, in east China's Shandong Province, French expatriate Chloe enjoys the convenience brought about by the city's rapid development.

Chloe, an internet influencer, said that the clean environment and smart design of China's newly-built subway systems stand out.

"I noticed that whether inside the trains or at the stations, everything is very clean and looks brand new. I also got the sense that a lot of attention has been paid to the details for passengers using the subway - perhaps because China has developed so rapidly in recent years - they've really thought through so many small details. For example, they remind passengers how long it will take to reach the next stop, and they've even adjusted the air conditioning temperature so that it varies from one area to another," said Chloe.

A freight train and a bus collided in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday afternoon, killing at least eight people, local media reported.

At around 15:40, a train collided with a bus at a railway crossing in Ratchathewi District, triggering a fire accompanied by an explosion. Several other cars and motorcycles were also involved.

More than 20 people were injured, according to the Thai transport ministry, as rescuers rushed to the scene to put out the fire and carry out rescue operations.

Deputy Minister of Transport Siripong Angkasakulkiat said in an interview with Thai media that the bus had stopped at the railway crossing due to a red light, preventing the railway barrier from lowering. The freight train was too heavy to brake in time, leading to the collision.