Southwest China’s Sichuan province has launched a one-of-a-kind luxury tourist experience, as the brand-new “Jinxiu Tianfu” train — the latest addition to the popular “Panda Express” tourism rail network — rolled out for its first public appearance in Chengdu, the province’s capital, on Monday. Following its grand debut, the custom-built train departed for the nearby city of Mianyang to begin its initial trial operation phase.
Co-developed by two leading regional institutions, China Railway Chengdu Group and Sichuan Tourism Investment Group, the 18-carriage Jinxiu Tianfu is far more than a mode of transport: it is a moving showcase of Sichuan’s centuries-old cultural legacy and distinctive regional charm. Every element of the train’s interior and exterior design has been curated to blend three iconic local cultural touchstones: the global symbol of Sichuan, giant pandas, refined aesthetic sensibilities drawn from China’s Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), and the province’s world-famous traditional Shu brocade weaving craft.
Designed to deliver a premium, intimate travel experience, the train features 46 private guest rooms that prioritize passenger comfort, quality service, and personal privacy. Travelers stepping aboard will find seating upholstered in custom Shu-brocade patterned fabric, complementing the immersive cultural theme. Beyond comfortable accommodations, the train offers a full range of Sichuan-focused experiences: passengers can sample flavorful authentic Sichuan cuisine and whimsical panda-shaped desserts, and take part in hands-on and performance-based activities celebrating local intangible cultural heritage, including traditional guzheng (Chinese zither) recitals and interactive bamboo weaving workshops.