China's first intangible cultural heritage (ICH)-themed cross-provincial cultural train departed from Jinan, Shandong Province, on July 14, kicking off an 18-day cultural exchange journey between Shandong Province and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Traveling thousands of kilometers, the train will stop at 10 stations across Xinjiang in northwest China. Designed as a "mobile ICH museum," it explores a new model that integrates railway transportation with cultural tourism. The train features dedicated areas for ICH exhibitions, interactive experiences, cultural reading, and regional cuisine, allowing passengers to experience the traditional cultures of both regions up close.

Thirteen ICH inheritors from Shandong are on board, presenting daily performances, including folk songs, traditional opera, and folk dances. Upon arriving in Xinjiang, they will also participate in exchange activities at museums and in multiple cities to promote cooperation in ICH preservation and development.

The event is jointly organized by the cultural and tourism authorities of Shandong and Xinjiang. The organizers plan to further develop the "ICH + Railway" model to support heritage preservation, strengthen regional cultural exchanges, and promote the growth of cultural tourism.