Chongqing - On April 13, the cross-border passenger service of the China-Laos Railway celebrated its first anniversary. Since beginning operations, it has transported 700,000 passengers, of which 180,000 were international travelers from 87 countries and regions.

The railway's international passenger trains connect key destinations like Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane, greatly enhancing convenience for tourists visiting cultural and natural attractions along the route.

According to Xinhua, the number of Chinese visitors increased to 641,314 in 2023 from about 45,000 in 2022. Meanwhile, Laos welcomed more than 242,000 Chinese tourists in the first three months of 2024.

"I am really happy to see that the cross-border train helps businessmen, tourists, and students travel easier, faster, and safer. Since its launch, the railway has significantly bolstered passenger transportation, greatly facilitated travel, and helped promote tourism in Laos, as well as attract more investors to Laos," Deputy Chief Engineer of the LCRC Vongthong Souphanthong said. 

Furthermore, Chinese and Laotian transportation departments have tried to optimize train operations to enhance service quality.

In July 2023, train schedules were adjusted, reducing the Kunming to Vientiane travel time from 10 hours and 30 minutes to just 9 hours and 26 minutes, cutting the journey by over an hour.

Starting in 2024, the cross-border seating capacity on these international passenger trains has increased from 300 to 350, and two new stops in Yuxi, China, and Muangxai, Laos, have been added, raising the total number of stops from 8 to 10 and expanding the service’s scope.