Senior citizens are now getting the chance to embark on new adventures in their later years as they get all-aboard the specially-tailored "silver-hair" tourist trains which are transporting them through the spectacular scenery of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The new concept which aims to reinvigorate the lives of seniors has sprung up this year and is proving popular among those looking to maximize their retirement, with the initiative widely welcomed and seen as unlocking the potential of China's silver economy as its aging population grows.
Unlike traditional train services, these "silver-hair" trains follow a "travel by night, tour by day" model, more akin to a cruise ship-style holiday. This allows travelers to rest onboard overnight and arrive at their destinations refreshed and ready to explore the scenic spots, eliminating the tiring and time-consuming effort of making frequent transfers and handling heavy luggage.
With most passengers being aged 60 and above, the carriages are specially designed to ensure accessibility for seniors, featuring barrier-free pathways, emergency call systems, anti-slip flooring, and safety handrails. Professional medical staff are also onboard throughout the journey to ensure a safe, comfortable, and convenient travel experience for elderly passengers.
"Our restrooms are equipped with extended handrails, making it easier for passengers to hold onto while washing up. The corridors also have extended rails so travelers can feel more secure while walking, or while the train is moving," said Wang Beibei, deputy manager of the Tourism Division under the Xinjiang Railway Tourism Development Group, as she showed off the facilities.
In addition to such considerations onboard, the train route is also thoughtfully mapped out to connect popular scenic spots across Xinjiang, offering an in-depth tourism experience which spans large distances.
"I was originally traveling with a tour groups. In order to avoid a lengthy trip, I chose an easier option this time, and it's truly beautiful. Xinjiang is so vast. Wherever you go, it's like stepping into a painting. Definitely worth the visit," said Zhang Lihua, one of the tourists enjoying the train ride.
So far this year, Xinjiang has operated seven of these "silver-hair" train tours, serving nearly 3,000 tourists, over 70 percent of whom are seniors. This customized service model is helping to further unleash the spending potential of the silver economy, as hotels and businesses dotted along these routes all enjoy a boost as more visitors flood in.
"Compared to previous years, our hotel bookings are up 15 percent, partly thanks to guests from these tourist trains, and also self-driving travelers. The growth is noticeable compared to previous years," said Chen Yinhu, a hotel manager.
Beyond the "silver-hair" routes which cater to the senior travelers, Xinjiang has launched other specialized tourist train services, featuring specific tours such as flower-viewing and various other immersive local cultural experiences. More than 100 themed tourist train services are planned for the year, catering to a diverse range of travelers, while also driving the economy in rural regions. "These tourist trains link key attractions in southern and northern Xinjiang, driving visitor numbers and boosting local consumption in service sectors like catering, hospitality, and specialty goods. The trains also contribute to rural revitalization and promote the clustered development of Xinjiang's tourism industry," said Zhang Shenghai, an official from the China Railway Urumqi Group.
Seniors get all aboard "silver-hair" trains as Xinjiang taps into silver economy
