Xinjiang: 'Affordable, essential tool' boosts incomes in China's hinterland
On the southwestern edge of the vast Taklimakan Desert, a green train in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is offering local residents an alternative choice to connect with nearby cities and towns at a much cheaper fare. It serves as an important vehicle to help boost their incomes.
Train No 7558 takes 10 carriages with hundreds of passengers every day from China's westernmost Kashgar prefecture to southern Xinjiang's hinterland - Hotan prefecture - linking a total of nine cities and counties in the relatively undeveloped region.
Known as the cheapest train ride in China, the seven-hour journey along 485 kilometers of the southern branch of the historical Silk Road costs just 28 yuan ($4.15) per person, one-third the cost of a bus fare. Some short journeys cost just 1 yuan.
