China successfully sent a new group of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province on Tuesday.
The four satellites of PIESAT-2 were launched at 02:50 (Beijing Time) by a Long March-2D carrier rocket and has entered its planned orbit successfully.
The launch marks the 553rd flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.
China successfully launches new group of SAR satellites
China successfully launches new SAR satellite group
This year's first tourist train linking Beijing with Lhasa, the capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, departed from the Beijing West Railway Station on Friday noon, taking more than 450 passengers on a 14-day round trip across the country.
More than 80 percent of the passengers on board Train T175 are senior tourists who have been driving a thriving silver tourism in China in recent years.
A senior woman said she looks forward to visiting the Potala Palace in Lhasa, a UNESCO World Heritage site symbolizing Tibetan Buddhism, which, together with many other popular tourist attractions in Xizang such as Norbulingka, the world's highest, largest, and best-preserved ancient artificial horticultural garden, draws millions of visitors from around the world every year.
"The place I particularly want to see is of course the Potala Palace, because I have longed to visit it since I was a child," she said before boarding the train.
The tourist train, equipped with elderly care devices and carrying a dedicated team of medical professionals, will pass through diverse landscapes on its route.
"Because there are many elderly passengers on board, we have also made full preparations in terms of medical services. The broadcasting cabin is equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and we are traveling with very experienced rescuers from the Red Cross Society of China. This is to ensure that we can deal with any sudden health condition during the journey," said Liu Jie, a train staff member.
Seniors ride 2025's first tourist train from Beijing to Xizang
