Chongqing - In a move to facilitate cultural travel and boost regional tourism, China has begun operating special late-night high-speed trains for music fans traveling between major cities following major concerts. One such "Fan Express" recently departed Chengdudong Railway Station after a major concert, filled with young passengers still buzzing with post-show excitement. The non-stop service arrived in Chongqing just over an hour later, providing a seamless connection that bypasses the usual late-night transport challenges.

A group photo of passengers on the "Fan Express." (Photo provided by interviewee)

Solving the Late-Night Travel Dilemma

Concert exits have long posed logistical challenges, with thousands of attendees often stranded without timely transport options. The newly introduced dedicated trains aim to address this gap directly.

The express crew is in service. (Photo provided by interviewee)

The Chengdu-Chongqing service runs express with no intermediate stops, cutting travel time to approximately 76 minutes. Onboard staff adopt a discreet yet attentive service approach, maintaining a quiet, orderly environment conducive to rest after an energetic evening.

Riding the Wave of China's Booming Performance Economy

The initiative responds to a growing trend among Chinese youth, who increasingly travel across cities for cultural and sporting events. Industry data indicates over 60% of attendees at large concerts now come from outside the host city.

This mobility brings significant economic benefits: studies show every 1 yuan spent on tickets generates an additional 4.8 yuan in local spending on dining, shopping, accommodation, and transport. 

Passengers returning home after the show. (Photo provided by interviewee)

Many regions across China have begun systematically integrating performance arts with tourism. Sichuan, for example, is creating combined "performance + tourism + commerce" experiences by improving intercity services, enhancing audience spending, and leveraging performance resources. Initiatives include dedicated shuttle buses, better transport connections, and discounts at downtown shopping districts and dining areas for concertgoers.

Integrated "Rail +Tourism" Strategy

The service reflects a deliberate strategy by railway authorities to deepen integration with cultural tourism. Starting from September 15, 2025, the China Railway Chengdu Group launched 7 express trains in a single night, sending fans home to cities including Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Kunming, Shenzhen, and Nanning.

For another concert scheduled in Chongqing on January 18, the group has already planned an additional return service - train G8658 from Chongqingxi to Chengdudong in the early hours of January 19. Complementary services such as coordinated ground transport and late-night meal ordering are also being offered.

Railway officials indicate they will closely monitor entertainment and sporting event calendars, with plans to expand such on-demand services to further support regional cultural consumption and nighttime economies.

As weekend concerts and multi-city tours become staples of urban youth culture, such tailored transport solutions are expected to become a regular feature, connecting not just places, but also shared cultural experiences across China's dynamic city clusters.