China family spend US$140,000 on lavish panda-themed train, find services below promo claims
26-strong group promised ‘premium’ services, say experience was more like a ‘special forces’ mission, and are now ‘pursuing their rights’
The experience of a Chinese family who spent an extravagant 960,000 yuan (US$140,000) on a luxury “Panda Express” train tour has shocked many people online.
The lavish purchase has sparked a lively discussion because of claims that the experience promised in promotional materials fell far short of the reality.
On August 25, a Chinese netizen posted a video revealing that their family, from Jilin province in northeastern China, embarked on a 17-day “Panda Express Tour” in July.
The 26-member family, which includes an 88-year-old and two toddlers, spent a total of 960,000 yuan on what was promoted as a premium travel experience.
The hefty price was said to include a 16-day round-trip train journey from Chengdu, in China’s southwestern province of Sichuan, to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in the country’s northwest.
Also touted was accommodation in standard train rooms equipped with private bathrooms and five-star hotel stays at scenic destinations.
The package also promised full catering with 15 breakfasts and 32 main meals, professional guide services and a variety of cultural performances and ethnic shows.