Tourist train launches between China’s Xi’an and Kazakhstan’s Almaty

On May 29, a new international tourist train will depart from Xi’an, China, to Almaty, Kazakhstan, arriving on May 31, according to Kazakhstan’s Tourism Industry Committee.

More than 250 passengers are expected on the inaugural journey, including not only tourists but also civil servants, researchers, physicians, athletes and Vice Mayor of Xi’an Xiao Qi. The group will stay in Almaty for five days, with the return trip scheduled for June 5.

A full itinerary has been prepared for the visitors, including attendance at the opening ceremony of Shaanxi-Almaty Week, participation in conferences and business meetings, and guided tours of Almaty’s main attractions.

Discussions about launching the train began in April 2024. The route follows the schedule of passenger train No. 103/104 (Urumqi-Almaty-2). However, the route is not currently listed on the website of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway operator, so tickets are not available to the public.

Kazakhstan has become increasingly popular with Chinese travelers. In 2024, the number of Chinese guests staying in Kazakhstani hotels rose 66% year-on-year. In 2023 alone, 650,000 Chinese citizens visited Kazakhstan, a ninefold increase over the past five years.

Air travel between the two countries is also expanding. On May 28, Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines launched direct flights from Shymkent to Xi’an. One-way tickets start at approximately $177, and the flight duration is just over four hours.

Since 2023, Kazakhstan and China have maintained a mutual visa-free travel regime.