Panda subway train debuts in bear's home province

CHENGDU, July 31 -- A panda-themed train debuted on Sunday in southwest China's Sichuan Province, home of the beloved black and white bears.

At 8:26 a.m., the train departed with its first passengers, marking the opening of the fourth subway line in the provincial capital of Chengdu.

The carriages have handles shaped like panda heads, while the pole grips are painted to resemble bamboo. Seats and walls are decorated with panda patterns and pink bear footprints speckle the floor.

The panda train also features announcements in the voice of a child for maximum cuteness.

The subway line, which runs from the southwest to the northeast of the city, is about 20 kilometers long and has 17 stops, passing through major tourist destinations, including the Chengdu Giant Panda Base.

Chengdu is accelerating its subway construction, with five new lines scheduled to begin construction this year, according to Rao Yong, general manager of Chengdu Subway Service Co. Ltd.