China-Laos railway hosts Spring Festival cultural event marking 65 years of diplomatic ties

A Spring Festival–themed cultural event was held on Feb. 4, 2026 aboard the China-Laos Railway, with 2026 marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Laos. The event took place onboard two high-speed trains — the D87 “Lancang” train departing from Kunming South Station in China and the D88 “Fuxing” train departing from Vientiane North Station in Laos — with both trains serving as the main venues for the celebration.

Throughout the journey, the two trains were transformed into mobile cultural stages, where artists and representatives from both countries shared performances, stories and festive activities. Traveling in opposite directions, the trains carried Spring Festival celebrations across borders, presenting a vivid scene of people-to-people exchange and symbolizing a two-way journey that connects hearts in China and Laos.

Programs featuring local traditions from southwest China's Yunnan Province, alongside shows by Lao artists blending elements of both cultures, filled the carriages with applause and laughter. Stories shared by railway workers, tour guides and passengers highlighted how the China-Laos Railway has brought tangible changes to daily life, strengthened mutual understanding and drawn the two peoples closer together.

Livestreamed to global audiences, the event underscored the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations and showcased the vitality of cultural interaction along the Belt and Road.

Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)