The first ever Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei sightseeing tourist train, the Star Express - Yanzhao (星光·燕赵号), took its maiden voyage on July 9.
The special new locomotive departs from Beijing and travels to Chengde and Qinhuangdao, and it is much more than your typical passenger train – it has a number of new features that set it apart.
Image via Star Express
The Star Express is comprised of seven carriages, including four sightseeing carriages, a themed dining cart, a panoramic view carriage, and a multifunctional entertainment carriage – it can seat a total of 208 passengers.
The sightseeing carriages are equipped with electric massage seats, and the large windows incorporate innovative low-e glass and a three-layer composite technology that combines smart dimming film with UV protection.
Image via Xinhua
This high-tech glass effectively blocks heat and allows passengers to adjust the level of light transmitted through their window, giving you a pleasant and uninterrupted panoramic view of the countryside throughout your journey.
Image via Star Express
The new sightseeing train features a unique ceiling screen that displays the natural scenery captured by cameras installed outside the carriage.
The train also has two VIP compartments equipped with their own private lavatories and large viewing windows for a more luxurious experience.
VIP room. Image via Youth.cn
The carriages are decorated with colorful images inspired by China’s intangible cultural heritage, and the interiors are adorned with patterns from famous works of art from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Image via Youth.cn
The Star Express is also much more senior-friendly than standard passenger trains, with upgraded additions including handrails, anti-slip floor mats, emergency call buttons, sensor-activated safety alarms, and wheelchair ramps.
Image via Xinhua
There is even a small gangway that covers that annoying little gap between the train and the platform that always threatens to eat the wheels of your suitcase.
In addition, the spacious seats and optimized lavatory layouts are more suited for elderly passengers.
There are different types of seats to choose from so that you find the option best for you and your family members – smaller seats are available for children between the ages of six and 14.
Image via Xinhua
You can currently take a relaxing day trip that departs in the morning from Beijing Station in the city center and returns to Beijing Fengtai Station in the capital's east in the evening.
In the future, the train will service other premium tourist destinations throughout the region in addition to Chengde and Qinhuangdao.
Schedule for Beijing and Chengde. Translated screenshot by That's
There are several different ticket packages available for families at discounted prices. There is also currently a special 25% discount available until July 16.
Schedule for Beijing and Qinhuangdao. Translated screenshot by That's
Regular price adult tickets are RMB188, and a four-person compartment goes for RMB1399.
You can see the options available and purchase tickets by scanning the QR code below:
For more information follow the official WeChat account: Star Express (星光列车).
[Cover image via Beijing.gov]
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