China’s New High‑Speed Rails to Laos Are All Set for Lunar New Year Travel
When the sun rises on Feb 1, millions of Chinese and Laotian commuters will likely hitched a ride on a brand‑new high‑speed rail link stretched out between Kunming and Vientiane. China’s insiders say the ride may see over a million passenger trips in that busy time, but the road to the goal is still a bit blocked by Covid‑19 travel hurdles.
First‑hand Numbers: 300,000+ Passengers Already on the Line
- Since the line opened on Dec 3, state media reports that more than 300,000 passengers have boarded the Chinese side.
- On the Laotian side, the government plans to reopen for tourists on Jan 1. To keep things safe, residents in five provinces on the line will receive a Covid‑19 booster before the reopening.
- Staying aboard isn’t just about the speed. Travelers will face quarantine periods on both sides — it’s a double‑whammy of security checks.
Cargo Boom: Over 100 Million Yuan of Goods on the Line
The track is not just for people. Chinese state media blasted that more than 100 million yuan (over $21 million) of goods has already made the journey between the two countries. In the lead‑up to the New Year, the authorities plan to double the number of cargo trains on the route.
It’s a $6 Billion Lifeline in the Belt & Road Belt
This 1,000‑km (around 621‑mile) rail bridge is part of President Xi Jinping’s grand Belt & Road infrastructure vision. China owns a 70 % stake in the joint‑venture and foresees the line marching on through Thailand, Malaysia, and eventually Singapore. China’s mood is upbeat, but some economists have cautioned that the project may strain Laos — one of the continent’s poorest states — as it struggles to repay the debt it owes mainly to China.
Key Take‑aways
- High‑speed travel begins now. Expect more than a million passengers during Lunar New Year.
- Quarantine and boosters are still in play. Tourists and locals alike have to watch their health as they hop on the train.
- Cargo is already moving. Over 100 million yuan in goods, with a freight surge to come.
- Long‑term vision. The rail could become a major artery connecting China to Southeast Asia.
In short, the new rail line is a significant milestone for China and Laos. Fingers crossed the trains keep rolling smoothly—and the passengers enjoy a fast, exciting ride to celebrate the Lunar New Year side‑by‑side!
