A historic cultural tourism train connecting Xi'an and Almaty completed its inaugural journey this week, marking a new chapter in China-Central Asia relations. The 57-hour rail link delivered more than passengers – it carried intangible cultural heritage demonstrations, traditional medicine exhibitions, and artifacts showcasing China's rich history to Kazakhstan's financial capital.
Chinese Consul General Jiang Wei hailed the initiative as "a powerful driver for cultural cooperation" between nations. The train service, operational since May 31, forms part of agreements from the 2023 China-Central Asia Summit. Its return journey on June 5 will complete the first round of this experimental cultural corridor.
The Almaty cultural festival accompanying the train's arrival featured hands-on workshops and artistic exchanges, attracting thousands of visitors. This comes as both sides implement vocational training programs like the Luban Workshop, designed to share technical skills while honoring ancient craftsmanship traditions.
With the second China-Central Asia Summit planned in Kazakhstan later this year, regional observers note growing momentum in cross-border collaboration. Recent agreements span tourism route development, sister-city partnerships, and joint educational initiatives – all aiming to strengthen people-to-people bonds across the region.
