Harbin launches train service with free costume photoshoots for unforgettable journey

An eye-catching train in Harbin, known as the "ice city" in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, quickly captured the hearts of passengers on Thursday with its unique photoshoot service, which allows passengers to pose for photos in elaborate costumes in various settings.

The K5197 tourist train, operated by China Railway Harbin Group, departs from Harbin and takes passengers on a two-hour journey to the Yabuli Ski Resort, providing them with a novel and unforgettable experience during their journey.

The photoshoot service is available to passengers both on the waiting platform at the railway station and aboard the train, with different settings for photos arranged, featuring themes such as Harbin street views, ice and snow and folk customs.

"We offer photoshoot service on the train, including costume and makeup. Now we receive a growing number of passengers, and I do makeup for at least six or seven ones every day. They speak highly of my service," said Su Ruiqi, a makeup artist on the train.

The train provides amenities like dressing and changing areas, as well as a selection of free costumes. Passengers can make reservations via their mobile phones, and the photographers, composed of railway staff with a passion for photography, are on hand to help capture special moments.

"We used to wish we could arrive at the station quickly when we took the train before. But this time, we want to stay on the train a little longer. We have so much fun taking photos and chatting with others," said passenger Guo Yuqing.

"This trip is very enjoyable. I think it's really cost-effective. A train ticket worth just 49.50 yuan (about 6.7 U.S. dollars) can bring so much good emotional experience. Plus, frozen pears and persimmons are also free to enjoy!" said Wen Shan, another passenger.

Harbin's railway department plans to introduce more themed train services, including one featuring intangible cultural heritage, to attract more tourists and further promote local tourism.

"In our future work, we will continue to enhance the quality of our service and improve the photography activities throughout the train journey," said Zhang Yan, a train crew official with the China Railway Harbin Group.

Harbin launches train service with free costume photoshoots for unforgettable journey

Harbin launches train service with free costume photoshoots for unforgettable journey

Nanjing City in east China's Jiangsu Province has seen a surge in housing listings after easing commodity housing restrictions on Monday, as part of broader efforts to revitalize the local property market.

Under the revised rule, commodity housing units can be listed for sale immediately after the owner obtains a real estate registration certificate. As a result, homeowners have rushed to put their properties on the market.

A local real estate agency has noted a surge in property listings entering the system. Though information such as price, area, and location is available currently, photos of housing details have yet to be taken and uploaded.

"Basically, there are relatively more listings in districts like Jiangning, Qixia, and Pukou, while the number of listings in the downtown area is comparatively lower. Taxes and fees still apply; it's just that sales restrictions have been lifted," said Ye Xiaochao, a staff member from a housing agency in Nanjing City.

According to data from a local real estate agency, the city saw 3,114 new listings on Monday, compared to the usual daily average of around 850.

Industry experts believe that in the long run, lifting sales restrictions will enhance market liquidity and activity, contributing to more stable housing price expectations. At the same time, Nanjing has announced an expanded scope for housing provident funds, allowing eligible parents and children of homebuyers to apply their accounts toward financing a property purchase.

This expanded policy for withdrawing housing provident funds to cover a home's down payment now includes the buyer's parents and children, extending eligibility beyond just the homebuyer and spouse.

When purchasing a property, priority is given to withdrawing funds from the accounts of the buyer and spouse. If the combined balances in both accounts are insufficient, the buyer's parents' or children's account balances can then be utilized.

Nanjing sees spike in home listings after easing restrictions