Moscow celebrates Chinese New Year with themed metro train

MOSCOW

As part of the deepening Russia-China relations, Moscow is hosting a series of events to celebrate the Chinese New Year, with the participation of senior government officials.

On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow's Deputy Mayor Maxim Liksutov, and Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui attended the launch of a special ceremony for the Chinese New Year-themed train on the Moscow Metro.

Painted in China’s traditional red, the train features images of Chinese New Year celebrations inside the carriages.

The lead carriage bears crossed Russian and Chinese flags as a symbol of their friendship.

A golden dragon adorns the side of the train, while red snakes appear on the doors, honoring the zodiac symbol for this year in China. Both Russian and Chinese specialists contributed to the train’s design.

"The Moscow Metro is renowned not only as an architectural marvel, but also as a tribute to our country's history, culture, and art. It is especially popular in China. Chinese tourists, guests, businesspeople, and officials who visit Moscow always want to see the iconic stations, which have become a historical treasure not only for Russia but for the entire world," Zakharova said at the ceremony.

She also highlighted that the train includes a route map in Chinese, making it both symbolic and practical.

Ambassador Zhang Hanhui welcomed attendees to board the train, saying, "At the start of the Lunar New Year, let us board this train, which symbolizes the enduring friendship between China and Russia, and embark on a journey toward a bright future for our bilateral relations."

Deputy Mayor Liksutov, for his part, said approximately 250,000 Moscow residents and visitors will be able to see the themed train and learn more about Chinese culture and New Year traditions.

The officials also reiterated the mutual desire and intention to further deepen cooperation between Russia and China.