LIJIANG, in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, is building the world’s first tourist train with a panoramic view of the mountain, with completion planned by the end of this year.

So far, the rail track has been paved, and the tailor-made train — with joint investment by China Railway Construction Corp, China Railway Group and Guangzhou Metro — was completed in December.

It takes about 65 minutes to reach Yulong Snow Mountain after arriving in Lijiang via car or bus, resulting in congestion during peak season. With the new train in the future, travel time to the mountain will be cut to 20 minutes.

The total length of the rail is 20.47 kilometers, with five stops and sightseeing along the way.

At the confluence of the Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan borders, Lijiang travel sparks a keen interest in most tourists. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site approved in 1997, Lijiang, with its Naxi people, still preserves much of their native Dongba culture and deep spiritual connection to nature. (China Daily)