As the Lunar New Year approaches on February 10, 2026, cross-border celebrations aboard the China-Laos Railway have set a joyful tone for the Year of the Horse. On February 4, performers transformed a high-speed train into a mobile cultural stage, enchanting passengers with traditional music, dragon dances, and handicraft demonstrations while traversing the 1,035-km route connecting Kunming to Vientiane.
The event highlights strengthened regional cooperation since the railway's 2021 opening, which has facilitated $3.8 billion in bilateral trade last year. Lao Tourism Minister Somsavanh Vongsimphou remarked: 'This railway isn't just steel tracks – it's become a thread weaving together our peoples' futures.'
Business analysts note the railway's growing role in ASEAN supply chains, with cargo volumes increasing 28% year-on-year in January 2026. Meanwhile, travelers can now book special Lunar New Year packages combining rail journeys with temple visits and night market experiences in both countries.
