Mobile Hanfu Museum: Experience Tang Dynasty on a Train

On September 9, an extraordinary cultural experience made its debut on a train traveling from Xi’an to Tongguan—a mobile Hanfu museum, bringing passengers on an immersive journey through time.

Inside the specially designed Tang Dynasty-themed train car, the decorations and ambiance transport passengers straight into the heart of ancient China. The train is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a living, moving piece of history. From meticulously restored Hanfu and traditional armor to hands-on cultural activities, this unique experience on the mobile Hanfu museum allows travelers to dress in period attire, try traditional makeup, and even participate in cultural crafts, all while enjoying a train ride through the scenic landscapes of Shaanxi.

A Creative Collaboration Bringing Culture to Life

This project is a joint effort between “You He Ming Tang” Tang Culture Experience Center and China Railway Xi’an Group, aiming to redefine modern train travel by integrating ancient aesthetics and traditional culture into the journey. Instead of simply getting from point A to point B, passengers on this train are treated to a one-of-a-kind cultural adventure aboard the mobile Hanfu museum.

To make the experience even more immersive, the train features a special exhibition area showcasing authentic Tang Dynasty clothing and armor, which visitors are encouraged to try on. For those who want the full transformation, there’s even a dedicated makeup station with professional artists on board, ensuring every traveler can achieve their perfect Tang Dynasty look before stepping off the train into what feels like another era.

Beyond the fashion and aesthetics, interactive craft stations allow passengers to engage in traditional Tang Dynasty-inspired activities, such as coloring historical patterns or creating festive Mid-Autumn lanterns. There’s also a photo zone where passengers can pose with calligraphy tools, Chinese musical instruments, and ancient board games, capturing unforgettable moments in a setting where history and the present collide.

Transforming Train Travel into a Cultural Journey

The mastermind behind this innovative project, You Yuanyuan, General Manager of Xi’an Daoyi Commercial & Cultural Planning Co., Ltd., sees this as just the beginning. She envisions a future where trains evolve beyond mere transportation to become mobile cultural hubs, like the mobile Hanfu museum. Their long-term goal? To create customized theme trains tailored to different audiences and interests, bringing more people back to the romantic nostalgia of train travel while simultaneously keeping traditional Chinese culture alive in modern experiences.

Future plans include introducing “spiritual luxury trains”, designed with unique themes catering to various interests and demographics. These trains will offer diverse and engaging experiences, including more mobile Hanfu museum experiences, encouraging more people to rediscover the charm of traveling by train and fostering a deeper appreciation for China’s rich cultural heritage.

Blending Culture and Tourism: The Mobile Hanfu Museum Experience

This project isn’t just about showcasing Hanfu—it’s also about revitalizing cultural tourism. By seamlessly blending heritage and travel, the initiative hopes to bring lesser-known destinations into the spotlight, making hidden gems more accessible and appreciated by a wider audience. The mobile Hanfu museum plays a key role in this effort, offering immersive experiences that not only celebrate Hanfu but also promote deeper cultural understanding.

Moving forward, “You He Ming Tang” aims to expand its influence beyond Shaanxi, recruiting ambassadors of Tang culture to spread the beauty of Han and Tang traditions across China—and even internationally. Additionally, by utilizing train routes as cultural corridors, they hope to introduce a two-way cultural exchange, bringing external influences into Shaanxi while simultaneously exporting its deep-rooted heritage to the rest of the world.

This Tang Dynasty-themed train is a glimpse into the future of travel, where trains aren’t just about the destination, but about the experience itself. With more travelers seeking immersive and meaningful journeys, this initiative is breathing new life into train tourism, making it more engaging, educational, and fun.

“You He Ming Tang” is making history—one train ride at a time. As this Tang-inspired train begins its journey, we look forward to more creative ways to blend traditional culture with modern tourism, carrying China’s rich heritage into the future while preserving its past. Let’s hop aboard and experience the magic of the Tang Dynasty in motion, where the mobile Hanfu museum offers travelers an unforgettable cultural journey.