In a bid to attract elderly tourists and tap into a completely new demographic market, China is planning to launch a series of so-called ‘silver trains’. The fleet will be equipped with special comfort and safety features designed to adapt as much as possible to China’s ageing population.
“With the expansion of the elderly population and their growing demand for cultural and tourism consumption, the growth potential of tourist trains for seniors is huge,” Kong Dejun, a director at the Ministry of Commerce, said in a statement.
China's "Silver-Hair train": Making travel easier and more fun for seniors #CGTN pic.twitter.com/RlbqVWUJY0
— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS) February 11, 2025
According to data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, 22% of China’s population was aged 60 or older as of 2024, and that number is expected to increase even further in the coming years. This figure has been significantly impacted by the country’s one-child policy, which heavily restricted birth rates and consequently contributed to the ageing population. China has been attempting to “promote services consumption” over the past few years; however, younger generations are struggling financially, in contrast to some elderlies.
Nine government departments, including the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China State Railway Group Company, and the Ministry of Commerce, have now decided to collaborate and cater to that demographic group with ample leisure time and disposable income. By 2027, there should be 100 high-quality railway routes for elderly tourism operational, with 2,500 so-called silver trains expected to operate each year.
“The main operation directions of these trains are concentrated in popular tourist destinations and routes such as the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, as well as Yunnan and Heilongjiang provinces,” said Zhu Wenzhong, deputy director of the passenger transportation department at China Railway. “Last year, the tourist trains handled more than one million passenger trips,” he concluded.
How #sweet! "Silver-haired Special #Train" makes its debut in China. #China will add more #tourist trains for the elderly, enabling them to enjoy more #beautiful scenery and #wonderful life as well. #heartwarming #video pic.twitter.com/on9MgJyvyE
— Touch Shandong (@TouchShandong) February 12, 2025
Indeed, in 2024, China could expect to have 1,860 tourist trains nationwide, representing an almost 50 per cent increase since 2019, according to data revealed by China Railway. Middle-aged and elderly individuals already account for 80% of ticket sales, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.
The new silver trains will be adapted as much as possible to accommodate elderly passengers. Existing trains will be renovated and equipped with larger berths, seats, and restrooms. Furthermore, handrails, oxygen cylinders, emergency call buttons, and first aid equipment will be installed to ensure the travellers’ safety. Carers and professional medical staff will travel aboard to provide an even better service.
