Subway line carries message of love

Commuters in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, can get a feeling of love during their daily journey on a special train covered with sweet words and wishes.

The decorated train, on Line 1 of the city's subway, began operating on May 8 and will run for a month.

Compartments are painted pink, with hundreds of riders' posts on the walls and floor. Some express love for a girlfriend or boyfriend, some for parents, and others for the city.

"Dear Mom and Dad, it has been a long time since I last came home," reads one message. "I miss you so much. Hope you are healthy and happy. I will continue to work hard and bring you to Shenzhen. Love you and miss you."

The train also has a compartment prepared especially for singles. One side of the compartment is painted blue and the other pink, and it is filled with sweet words from singles to future partners.

The event, organized by Shenzhen Metro Group and Shenzhen Press Group Metro Media, is held to coincide with the time around May 20 - known as 520 in China. Since the pronunciation of "520" is close to "I love you" in Chinese, many consider it a day of love.

"The aim of the move is to spread positive energy and love across the city," said Zhou Xinhua, head of the cultural promotion department at Shenzhen Metro Group's resources development unit, which is responsible for organizing the event.

"Every day, 4 million to 5 million people travel on the Shenzhen Metro. It is a window and carrier for promoting spiritual culture. In addition to this event, we will organize other cultural activities in the metro in the future to contribute to the construction of a spiritual civilization."

People interviewed in Shenzhen hailed the move, calling it meaningful.

"The event is warm and encouraging. It shows that Shenzhen is not only a city with high economic growth, but also a city full of love," said Pan Qiyun, a 28-year-old working at a local startup.

Liu Yuanyuan, who works as an accountant, said the event is particularly meaningful in a first-tier city where most people are busy with work and often neglect to show and express their love.

"I hope similar events will be held to strengthen the sense of belonging among people working and living in the city," Liu said.

sally@chinadailyhk.com