Xi’an and Almaty, separated by over 3,000 kilometers, lie at the foot of the Qinling Mountains and Tianshan Mountains respectively, each exuding distinct charms. A train journey along the ancient Silk Road, spanning over 50 hours, connects these two cities, echoing the expeditions of a millennium ago when caravans departed from Chang’an (ancient Xi’an) with silk, tea, art, and herbal medicines, traversing deserts and gobi to reach Almaty.
In the modern era, a special train from Xi’an to Almaty departs through Huoerguosi Port, taking three days and two nights. It carries Xi’an’s intangible cultural heritage—Qinqiang opera, calligraphy, photography, and traditional Chinese medicine. During the week-long cultural tourism event, activities like intangible heritage workshops, TCM experiences, Sino-Kazakh football matches, and archaeological exchanges serve as “pearls” stringing together the two civilizations, showcasing Xi’an’s cultural heritage and Almaty’s role as Central Asia’s cultural hub.
For the 200+ passengers, most first-time visitors to Central Asia, Almaty surprises with its lush greenery—an urban forest under the Tianshan Mountains. The clear blue skies, tree-lined avenues, and slow-paced lifestyle contrast with Xi’an’s hustle. With 1 RMB exchanging for ~70 Kazakhstani tenge, visitors find themselves “wealthy” in local terms, enjoying cafes, Western eateries, and nostalgic street markets.
While Almaty enchants with its tranquility, the Xi’an travelers still miss home. This rail journey revives the Silk Road, allowing cultural exchange between the two cities. As the train brings Central Asian winds to Xi’an and carries Chang’an’s culture to Almaty, it embodies the ancient route’s enduring mission to bridge civilizations and foster shared progress.
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