With much of China sweltering through scorching summer days, special tourist trains are carrying holidaymakers to cooler destinations, blending transport with travel packages to spur consumption.

July brought blistering heat to many parts of the country, but the northernmost province of Heilongjiang enjoyed an average temperature of around 22 degree Celsius, drawing visitors from afar and prompting a new rail route tailored for them.
"This route links China's eastern and northernmost tips, and travels along some of the most iconic tourist attractions in Heilongjiang Province, including volcanic cold springs, natural forests, border scenery, and crane-filled wetlands," said Lu Shiming, Party secretary of the state-owned China Railway Harbin Group's travel branch.
This summer, railways are selling far more than tickets. Yunnan on the southwestern border, with its mild climate and diverse ethnic cultures, has become a popular destination among domestic and international tourists. The China-Laos "Star Express" offers a seven-day, six-night cross-border adventure.
"I was traveling in Laos and it's just the easiest way to get here from Laos, so I came up on the train. It's very modern and also very convenient," said a British traveler.
Rail operators are bundling scenic spots, hotels, dining, and performances into one-stop cultural tourism packages.
In Sichuan Province, the "High Speed Rail 123" series organizes trips around one-, two-, and three-hour travel circles, linking popular destinations in cities including Leshan, Zigong, Ya'an, and Xichang.
In Fujian Province, the new Wuyi Mountain National Park sightseeing train blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with panoramic windows that frame captivating landscapes, allowing passengers to enjoy a mountain style afternoon tea without ever leaving their seats.
"Passengers used to buy a point-to-point ticket. Now they're paying for a complete travel experience. These tourist trains aren't just about carrying more visitors. They're about weaving together transport, attractions, accommodation, and entertainment into one seamless offering, creating more opportunities for spending and tapping into fresh consumer demand," said Shi Liang, deputy head of the passenger transport department at China Railway Kunming Group.