Xinjiang Railway has launched its first ice and snow-themed passenger train this month, marking a strategic push to position the region as Asia's premier winter destination. The "China Snow Capital My Altay" service departed Urumqi on January 2, 2026, carrying over 300 travelers through snow-capped landscapes to Altay – an area receiving annual snowfall exceeding 4 meters.
Featuring carriages adorned with crystalline snowflake motifs, the train offers immersive cultural programming including traditional music performances and Uygur handicraft demonstrations. Passengers can sample regional specialties like lamb pilaf while journeying through the Tianshan Mountain vistas.
The initiative strengthens transport links between Xinjiang's capital and its northern tourism hub, with business analysts predicting 15% growth in winter tourism revenue this year. Altay's world-class ski resorts and cross-country trails have already attracted significant overseas investment since 2025.
