STORY: Lao youths experience China-Laos railway trip
DATELINE: June 26, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:25
LOCATION: Vientiane     
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Lao students taking the China-Laos Railway trip
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Lao): SALEUMXAY PHISANOUVONG, Lao student
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Lao): ANNY XAYYASARN, Lao student
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Lao): DALALAT THORANIN, Lao student
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Lao): VIDALAK VILAIPHONE, Lao student at Dalian University in China's Liaoning

STORYLINE:

A group of Lao students enjoyed scenic views and learned train-related knowledge during their first China-Laos Railway trip last week.

The trip started from the Lao capital of Vientiane to the world heritage town of Luang Prabang on Wednesday last week.

It was organized by the Chinese company CRRC Corporation Limited, the manufacturer of the Lane Xang EMU trains for the China-Laos Railway.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Lao): SALEUMXAY PHISANOUVONG, Lao student
"I'm so excited. This is my first time traveling on a train. It runs swiftly and the seat is soft and comfy. I really want to have a chance to take a train to China. I want to explore Chinese culture and attractions."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Lao): ANNY XAYYASARN, Lao student
"I've learned many things about the train. A multi-language service is available on the train, namely Chinese, Laotian and English. After returning home, I will definitely share this experience with my parents."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Lao): DALALAT THORANIN, Lao student
"It was very impressive, very comfortable and clean. And I think the Laos-China Railway made it easier to travel around and see the beautiful natural scenery of Laos."

SOUNDBITE 4 (Lao): VIDALAK VILAIPHONE, Lao student at Dalian University in China's Liaoning
"I believe that this activity will be able to fulfill children's dreams from various perspectives. For instance, some children may aspire to become a train manufacturer. This activity has the potential to instill dreams in children, provide them with opportunities to learn and serve as an inspiration as they grow older, perhaps leading them to pursue a career in train manufacturing in the future."

The China-Laos Railway, a landmark project of Belt and Road cooperation, began operations in December 2021. The 1,035-km railway connects China's Kunming with Vientiane in Laos.

By mid-June, the railway had handled more than 25,000 cross-border passenger trips since the launch of its passenger services on April 13 this year.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Vientiane.
(XHTV)