Russia launches themed train to mark Chinese New Year
Moscow unveiled a themed metro train on Tuesday to mark the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, bringing traditional Chinese culture to the Russian capital's public transport system.
The train is mainly decorated in red, a color that symbolizes happiness, joy, good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture, and features the horse, zodiac animal of the Year of the Horse.
Inside, passengers can enjoy ancient poetry about the Spring Festival in Chinese and Russian, images of traditional Chinese culture, and photographs of New Year celebrations in China.
The unique metro train gives Muscovites and visitors to the Russian capital an opportunity to learn more about the Chinese culture and the traditions of the Chinese New Year.
A ceremony dedicated to the launch of the train was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and Moscow Deputy Mayor Maxim Liksutov.
Speaking at the ceremony, Zakharova praised the initiative for strengthening cultural exchanges.
"We know that Moscow citizens are very fond of this event, as it creates a certain mood and a unique atmosphere. When stepping into the carriages, you can feel even more strongly the festive ambiance of the Spring Festival, which is significant to the people of Asian countries, especially for the Chinese people. Every year in China, over a billion people celebrate the traditional Chinese New Year. Creating such a beautiful and festive atmosphere also brings us closer to China," said the spokeswoman.
