CHENGDU -- A tourist train left Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, on Sunday, marking the launch of the first train themed around the legendary Sanxingdui Ruins site.

Departing from Chengdu East Railway Station, the train takes 18 minutes to reach the Sanxingdui Ruins and around two hours to reach Jiuzhai Valley, two of Sichuan's most prominent attractions. It operates daily with 13 round trips and is expected to carry about 30,000 passengers per day.

Adorned with iconic bronze motifs and posters of the Sanxingdui Ruins, the train offers passengers a cultural journey through time. On board, a professional guide from the Sanxingdui Museum introduces the excavation history, key artifacts and cultural significance of the ancient site.

Jointly developed by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. and the Sanxingdui Museum, the themed train aims to offer an immersive cultural experience for both domestic and international travelers, according to Peng Danlin with China Railway Chengdu Group.

"This is so exciting," said Zhou Wen, one of the first passengers on board, as she eagerly took photos. "Every detail in the carriage makes me feel like I've traveled back to the ancient Shu Kingdom. It's a fulfilling and unforgettable experience."

The Sanxingdui Ruins are believed to be the remnants of the Shu Kingdom, dating back 4,500 to 3,000 years. Jiuzhai Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is celebrated for its spectacular waterfalls, lush forests, serene plateau lakes and karst rock formations.