Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Passengers can read poems by Chinese poets from various eras and learn how the holiday was celebrated in Moscow in past years.
To celebrate the Lunar New Year, a new Chinese New Year-themed train has arrived on the Moscow Metro's Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line. The train will run until March 28.
The carriages are decorated with traditional Chinese cultural symbols and a color palette. Red and gold are associated with prosperity, joy, and good fortune. The train is decorated with images of festive lanterns, symbolizing light and renewal. The symbol of 2026, a fire horse, is displayed on the carriage walls, representing energy, movement, and forward momentum.
During the ride, passengers will be able to read poems about the festival from Chinese poets from various eras, dating back to the 7th century. The works are presented in both Russian and Chinese. Also displayed inside the train are photographs of past Chinese New Year celebrations in Moscow, illustrating how the event gradually became a part of the capital's cultural life.
The first and last cars feature a Chinese-language metro map, which was first introduced in 2025.
This is the second themed train created as part of the Moscow-China collaboration and dedicated to the Chinese New Year. The first such train entered service in 2025, when the carriages were primarily decorated with images of a dragon, one of China's most recognizable symbols.
"China is Moscow's strategic partner in Asia. The capital will account for over 40 percent of total Russian-Chinese trade by 2025. At the direction of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, we are developing cooperation in both industry and transport. This work is systemic. Our colleagues actively participate in the International Transport Summit, which we hold in Moscow every year. Together, we will continue to exchange experiences in the implementation of driverless transport, digital passenger services, artificial intelligence technologies, and other development areas. Moscow transport is always happy to cooperate with its good neighbor and is ready to welcome guests from China," noted Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.
"This is the second time that a themed metro train has been launched as part of the Moscow Chinese New Year festival. This event has truly resonated with Muscovites because it creates a special atmosphere—you step inside the train and learn more about this much-talked-about event, which holds such colossal significance for the people of Asia, particularly China. It's also beautiful, vibrant, and joyful," added Maria Zakharova, official spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director of the Information and Press Department.
"In honor of the Chinese New Year, Moscow has relaunched a themed metro train—a joint project that will allow residents to discover the traditions of this friendly culture on familiar routes. The metro attracts visitors from China as a tourist attraction, and the themed train will be another interesting addition to the tourist program. Joint projects by the Moscow Government are increasing interest in the capital as a tourist destination. The annual growth rate of tourist flow from China to Moscow has doubled, with business tourists increasingly coming," noted Yevgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Moscow Mayor and Government and Chairman of the Moscow Tourism Committee.
The launch of the themed train is part of the extensive program of the "Chinese New Year in Moscow" festival, which runs in the capital until March 1. A detailed schedule of events is available on the Russpass digital travel service. The festival is organized by the Moscow Government with the support of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Russia.
The project is being implemented as part of the city's "Winter in Moscow" season—the city's premier winter event, bringing together cultural, educational, and sporting activities for residents and visitors of the capital. The initiative aims to strengthen community and family ties, create an atmosphere of unity and mutual support, and develop international cultural cooperation.