A passenger takes photos with actresses portraying characters from classic TV series at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. [Photo/Tide News]
The G9241 high-speed train carrying over 600 passengers departed Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station on June 29, bound for the Hengdian World Studios — known as China's Hollywood — in Dongyang county-level city in Jinhua, Zhejiang province.
The train was the first immersive film-themed tourist train in the Yangtze River Delta region. Its eight carriages featured more than 40 actors portraying iconic characters from classic TV series and films such as Zhen Huan from the TV series Empresses in the Palace and Bai Suzhen from the Legend of White Snake.
Their elaborate costumes and makeup transported travelers into cinematic worlds even before arrival.
Passengers included international and domestic university students, families, and social media travel influencers. On reaching their destination, they embarked on a two-day immersive tour to explore the film and TV shooting base.
"With live performances and interactive games on the train, two hours flew by," said Ding Yi, a student passenger.
In January, Hengdian Railway Station added new direct trains to Shanghai South Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, cutting travel times for tourists in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Before the train's departure, a ceremony was held at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, featuring an intangible cultural heritage market whose wood carvings and festive lanterns from Dongyang drew crowds.
According to the Dongyang government, a series of cultural and tourism activities have been prepared for the summer tourism season.
Additionally, from July 1 to Aug 31, college students arriving at Hengdian Railway Station and Dongyangbei Railway Station can get free entry to the Hengdian World Studios by making an appointment on Douyin, Meituan, and Ctrip platforms with tickets within three days post-arrival.
