China is launching a new fleet of “silver trains” designed specifically for elderly travelers, aiming to encourage its aging population to travel more and stimulate spending. The initiative comes as the country faces a shrinking workforce, a slowing economy, and a rapidly growing elderly demographic.
The specially designed trains will feature berths tailored for comfort, along with safety amenities such as handrails, oxygen bottles, and emergency call buttons, according to the state-run Global Times. Each train will also be staffed with caregivers and medical professionals to provide limited treatments and emergency medications.
The plan, announced Tuesday by China’s commerce and tourism ministries, aims to establish a nationwide network of these trains by 2027. China’s vast rail network, which connects its northernmost regions near Siberia to the subtropical south bordering Vietnam, carried over four billion passengers last year. In comparison, the U.S. rail operator Amtrak reported a record-high 32.8 million passengers during the same period.
As part of the initiative, Chinese officials have urged popular tourist destinations to upgrade their facilities to better accommodate elderly visitors. They have also invited catering brands and performing groups to offer services onboard the new trains.
Targeting the “Grey Dollar”
The “silver trains” are part of a broader government effort to boost consumption among the elderly, who often have more time and financial resources for travel. According to Global Times, Zhang Lingyun, a professor and executive editor of Tourism Tribune, noted that retirees are particularly well-positioned to travel.
This push comes as younger generations face economic challenges, including job insecurity and a struggling property market, making them less likely to spend on leisure activities. Meanwhile, China’s elderly population is growing rapidly, with those aged 60 and above accounting for 22% of the total population last year. At the same time, the working-age population (16 to 59 years old) continues to decline.
A Growing Market
China currently operates 1,860 tourist trains nationwide, with middle-aged and elderly travelers making up 80% of ticket sales, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Some rail companies are already catering to this demographic.
For example, a recent train departing from Chengdu in southwestern China offered a five-day sightseeing trip featuring traditional performances like Chinese folk songs and bian lian (face-changing opera). The journey included stops at scenic locations such as the rapeseed flower fields in Luoping, Yunnan, and the Malinghe Canyon in Guizhou. The train was equipped with a karaoke lounge, chess room, and reading area, providing a luxurious experience for passengers.
“Compared to other trains, this one is much more advanced in every aspect. It comes with stewards, medical staff, and dining cars. It has everything,” passenger Li Guangfu told CCTV.
By investing in elderly-friendly travel, China hopes to tap into the “grey dollar” and revitalize its tourism and service sectors amid economic challenges.
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