Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Lu Fengbao) news: On January 5, 2025, the first "Tomur" express passenger train set off at Urumqi station with a whistle, and passengers on board arrive in Aksu City at 8:45 a.m. the next day.

Photo taken on January 5, 2025 shows the "Tomur" passenger train sets off at Urumqi station. (Photo by Bai Fengliang and Chen Qian)

"Tomur" is another brand of express passenger train launched by the Xinjiang railway department following the "Kashi" and "Aksu." It operates between the cities of Urumqi and Aksu, covering a distance of 1,012 kilometers in nine hours and 45 minutes. This is the shortest travel time by train to these destinations at present, and it is nearly six hours faster than taking the slowest train between the two places.

The train consists entirely of sleeper cars, which are divided into hard sleepers, soft sleepers, and deluxe soft sleepers. Among them, six deluxe soft sleeper compartments are designed for two people each and are equipped with private bathrooms. The train operates daily with one round trip, adopting a "depart in the evening, arrive in the morning" schedule. Passengers can rest overnight on the train and arrive at their destination early the next day.

Photo shows an interior carriage of the "Tomur" passenger train. (Photo by Chen Qian)

The "Tomur" passenger train integrates a rich array of regional culture and folk characteristics in its interior and exterior decoration. The exterior of the carriages is painted with a prominent brand logo, "Tomur," which is perfectly blended with regional features. The logo features a mountain peak pattern, representing the highest peak of the Tianshan Mountains—Tomur Peak, located in Xinjiang’s Aksu Prefecture, and includes the altitude height.

The interior details of the carriages are well designed. The aisles are lined with soft, distinctive carpets. Each carriage wall and soft sleeper room displays exquisite photos of local cultural landscapes and famous scenic spots in Aksu, such as the Duku Highway, Tianshan Tomur Peak, and Kizil Red Stone Forest, along with detailed introductions, making it a "window" for passengers to learn about Xinjiang and Aksu.

"Considering the characteristics of the journey, the train is equipped with practical items such as earplugs and magnifying glasses, and also specially provides children's bedtime stories. Every detail is designed to create a comfortable travel environment," said Alimjan Alim, the train conductor of the tourism team of the Urumqi Passenger Section of China Railway Urumqi Bureau Group Co., Ltd.

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