On the evening of January 17, the inaugural departure ceremony for the new Shenzhen–Chengdu round-trip “Panda Tourism Train” took place in Shenzhen. Adorned with charming panda-themed décor, the D962 overnight bullet train leaves Shenzhen North Station and arrives at Chengdu East Station roughly eleven hours later.

The Panda Tourism Train Prepares to Depart

During the ceremony, the D962 bullet train was officially named the “Panda Tourism Train.” This makes it the new, regularly scheduled overnight train on China’s third major high-speed trunk line—after the Beijing–Guangzhou and Shanghai–Kunming routes—to link Shenzhen and Chengdu. The unveiling also marked the train’s maiden journey under its new name.

Interior View of the Panda Tourism Train

Pandas take center stage on this train: from the moment you step off the platform and into the cars, you’ll spot panda-themed designs and custom-made emblems at every turn—an ode to the culture of Chengdu and the festivities of Chinese New Year. Passengers can also browse Chengdu-inspired cultural and creative products in the dining car, picking out one-of-a-kind souvenirs for friends and family at their destination.

Another Look Inside the Panda Tourism Train

Connecting two of China’s major economic circles, the Panda Tourism Train links Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen—an apt symbol of the growing flow of people, industries, and ideas between these cities.

For travelers, Chengdu’s allure is undeniable: the park city of giant pandas, snow-capped mountains, chic urban streets like Chunxi Road, and famously flavorful Sichuan cuisine continue to turn heads worldwide. In recent years, global attention on Chengdu has only intensified, especially following events like the FISU World University Games, the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu, the Thomas & Uber Cup, and the upcoming World Games. These gatherings have opened new windows onto Chengdu’s spirit of openness and innovation.

With the rise of “China Travel,” Chengdu has become a must-see destination for international visitors. In fact, on January 7, Trip.com released its “2024 China Travel Destination Popularity Map,” ranking Chengdu first among Chinese cities searched by foreign travelers. It’s also the country’s top choice for inbound tourism, a national hotspot, and a favorite among Gen Z explorers.

This Lunar New Year, Chengdu is rolling out a series of themed festivities—titled Vibrant Chinese New Year in Chengdu, Embracing a Thousand New Marvels: Come Stroll the Streets of Chengdu in 2025—featuring over a thousand cultural and tourism events such as “Panda Fun,” “Snow & Ice Adventures,” and “Lantern Viewing.” Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in Chengdu’s glow—paddleboats on the Jinjiang River, lantern-lit nights, and the warmth of lively streets.

Additionally, extended evening hours will be offered at several night-time attractions, with landmarks such as the Twin Towers on Jiaozi Avenue staging spectacular light shows. The “Night Cruise on the Jinjiang River” will include new routes at Jiangtan Park and Lianhua Bridge, and Jiangtan Park will host the 54th Chengdu International Panda Lantern Festival alongside its first-ever light and shadow show.

Chengdu’s sports scene is equally dynamic this holiday season. Under the themes of “Events for the People,” “Venues for the People,” and “Spending that Benefits the People,” the city has planned over 300 sports-themed festivities, including a temple fair, New Year’s hikes to offer prayers, and scenic boat trips on the Tuojiang River. More than 30 major sports venues—including those built for the World Games, such as the Dongan Lake Sports Park—will remain open to the public, giving citizens and visitors alike the chance to join interactive experiences in these world-class facilities.