Shandong launches first inter-provincial ICH train to Xinjiang

Shandong province has launched China's first inter-provincial train dedicated to the promotion of intangible cultural heritage along a cross-country route to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, marking a new initiative to strengthen cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation between eastern and western China.

The departure ceremony for the inaugural Shandong-Xinjiang ICH train was held in Jinan on July 14. Officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the governments of Shandong and Xinjiang, and China Railway Jinan Group attended the event.

Yu Jiannan, director of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, says that the province will continue implementing national programs supporting Xinjiang's development through cultural cooperation while advancing Shandong's integrated transportation and tourism initiative.

At the launch ceremony, an official from the Xinjiang Art Theater said that Xinjiang's rich intangible cultural heritage reflects the long history of exchanges and integration among China's ethnic groups and demonstrates the inclusiveness and diversity of Chinese civilization. He welcomed visitors from Shandong to experience Xinjiang's natural landscapes and cultural traditions firsthand.

Liu Zaimin, chairman of China Railway Jinan Group, says that the railway operator will work closely with cultural and tourism authorities in both regions to establish regular themed train services and create immersive onboard exhibition spaces where passengers can experience traditional crafts, performances and local culture during their journey.

Before the train departed, guests toured the carriages, which featured immersive displays and live demonstrations of representative ICH traditions from both regions, including pottery, xun flute performances, erhu music, and silhouette art.

The themed train will travel through seven provincial-level regions — Shandong, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu and Xinjiang — over an 18-day journey, stopping at 10 stations across Xinjiang.

The train features dedicated exhibition areas for cultural products, books, live performances and interactive experiences.

More than 30 cultural and creative products from Shandong, including Zibo clay sculptures and Weifang kite-themed souvenirs, are on display alongside over 20 traditional foods such as Dezhou braised chicken and Rizhao green tea. Visitors can also view more than 20 ICH works and cultural products from Xinjiang, including seal-carving artworks and embroidered handicrafts. The dining car introduces signature traditional foods from both regions, combining culinary experiences with cultural performances.

Throughout the journey, 13 representative inheritors from Shandong will stage daily performances featuring Shandong folk songs and Jiaozhou yangko dance. After arriving in Xinjiang, they will present 10 additional performances and exhibitions at museums and cultural venues in multiple areas, including Kashgar, Altay and Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture.