CHENGDU -- A flight themed the "spicy culture" of Southwest China's Sichuan province has been launched, linking the city of Chengdu and Shanghai.

The flight is operated by Chengdu Airlines and the maiden flight took off at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on Sunday.

The first batch of 180 passengers on board experienced the heat and enthusiasm of China's southwestern culture. They received a spicy gift package which included special chili powder, posters of enticing spicy food and red pepper-shaped cushions.

The travelers on the flight learned about Chengdu's spicy food culture and hot pot through short videos, reading materials and souvenirs.