This photo taken on April 18, 2026 shows a storytelling event celebrating the China-Laos Railway in Vientiane, Laos. A storytelling event celebrating the China-Laos Railway was held in the Lao capital Vientiane on Saturday. Under the theme "Building a golden railway, benefiting the people of both countries," the event brought together more than 60 participants, including officials from Chinese and Lao government agencies, business representatives, journalists, scholars and railway employees, who shared personal experiences illustrating the railway's transformative impact. (Photo: Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, April 19 (Xinhua) -- A storytelling event celebrating the China-Laos Railway was held in the Lao capital Vientiane on Saturday.

Under the theme "Building a golden railway, benefiting the people of both countries," the event brought together more than 60 participants, including officials from Chinese and Lao government agencies, business representatives, journalists, scholars and railway employees, who shared personal experiences illustrating the railway's transformative impact.

The event formed part of a series of activities marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Laos and the China-Laos Friendship Year.

In her address, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong described the China-Laos Railway as a landmark project under the Belt and Road Initiative, noting that the railway has delivered real benefits to the people of both nations and transformed the lives of communities along the route since its launch over four years ago.

A Lao official emphasized the railway's socio-economic impact on generating jobs, facilitating travel, boosting trade and freight transport and attracting international tourists.