China launches Ningxia wine train from Beijing

China has rolled out a wine train connecting the country’s capital Beijing to the wine producing region of Ningxia in northwestern China, offering passengers the chance to taste wines, try out wine-infused facial masks and gain first-hand harvest experience at wineries.

The wine-filled train ride from Beijing to Ningxia comes with a tasting room and kitchen (Photo source: Winesinfo.com)

The carriage – which is dedicated to wine tourism and runs from Beijing to Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia – can accommodate 28 passengers and comes with a tasting room and a kitchen, according to Chinese media reports.

Designed as a “mobile platform” to promote Ningxia’s Helan East Mount Hill wine region and “cultivate a group of loyal Ningxia wine fans”, the wine train was launched this month after three years of preparation.

Passengers on the train can enjoy wine tasting, wine-infused facial masks, skin care products, as well as western and local cuisine from Ningxia. Upon arrival in Ningxia, passengers can participate in harvest, winemaking and vine planting activities at local wineries.

Ningxia has now 86 different wineries and 570,000mu under vine with annual wine production at about 100,000 tonnes, according to Ningxia Bureau of Grape Development.

In addition to the wine train, the Ningxia government is looking to work with cruise liners and flight companies to launch a Ningxia wine-themed passenger experiences to promote wine tourism in the region.