The Y64 train departed Harbin in China's northernmost Heilongjiang province on March 15, carrying 546 spirited seniors united by a shared yearning for adventure as they embarked on a springtime journey to South China.

Dubbed the "silver-haired express", the train, hosting senior travelers with an average age of 65, was scheduled to stretch 14 days and nearly 9,000 kilometers round-trip all the way to the country's deep south — Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The March trip was fully booked weeks in advance, and there were only 30 spots left for April, according to Harbin Railway International Travel Agency.

The popularity of the "silver-haired express" comes as no surprise. By linking transportation with dining, lodging and sightseeing along key rail corridors, these sojourns simplify logistics while enriching the train travel experience, thus aligning with seniors' preferences for slow-paced, in-depth exploration, officials and analysts said.

"The Y64 train trip was launched just before Spring Festival in late January, and its 546 travel spots were snatched up quickly," said 81-year-old retired teacher Wang Shufen in Harbin, adding that she enlisted her daughter's help to refresh the booking page for three consecutive days to secure a spot.

China's over-60 population, nearing 297 million, has become a formidable force in the tourism sector. In 2024 alone, the country operated 1,860 tourist train trips, with seniors accounting for nearly 80 percent of rail passengers, said China State Railway Group, the national railway operator.

"While still in its developmental phase — with tourist train trips accounting for a small share of total railway operations — the sector holds immense untapped potential, particularly in catering to the booming elderly demographic," said Kong Dejun, director of the Department of Trade in Services and Commercial Services at the Ministry of Commerce.

According to a report jointly issued by China Insights Consultancy and QuantaSing Group in October, some 17.6 percent of China's elderly population venture out on at least three trips per year, while 40.8 percent partake in one to two journeys annually.

To meet the pent-up demand of the country's elderly population for leisure and cultural experiences, policymakers rolled out a dedicated plan for expanding train trips designed for seniors in mid-February, aiming to design over 100 elderly-focused railway routes, and operate more than 2,500 "silver-haired express" trips by 2027.

China's tourist trains have been synonymous with affordability over comfort — retrofitted from aging green-painted carriages with cramped berths, limited privacy and basic amenities, said Song Ziqian, a senior policy researcher at the China Tourism Academy.

Yet, as the nation's over-60 population is set to surpass 400 million by around 2035, this once-niche market is undergoing a transformative upgrade, driven by retirees' rising demand for quality travel experiences that balance cost-effectiveness with enhanced services, Song said.

The specialized trains will feature enhanced accessibility, including wheelchair-friendly corridors, priority seating with extra legroom and cabins equipped with health monitoring systems, according to the plan.

"The exponential growth of China's high-speed rail network has created an incredibly favorable environment for the commercialization and scaling of the tourism train market," said Zhu Wenzhong, an official with China State Railway Group.

Spanning 160,000 kilometers, the network now connects 99 percent of cities with populations over 200,000, according to the group.

"With greater network capacity and improved connectivity, these specialized trains can now reach a wider array of destinations and cater to the diverse interests of the senior travel segment," Zhu said.

Moreover, by deploying tourist trains during off-peak periods such as weekdays and non-holidays, rail operators can utilize idle capacity while aligning with seniors' preference for flexible travel schedules, Zhu added.

Beyond the practical benefits, these travel experiences also foster a sense of community and connection among senior passengers. The extended journeys provide ample opportunities for socializing, exchanging travel tips and forming new friendships — all vital aspects of maintaining a vibrant and fulfilling retirement.

"On the train, I've met so many interesting people from all walks of life," said 68-year-old Zhang Lina, who lives in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province. "We swap travel tips, discuss local culture and even plan future trips together. It's a wonderful way to expand my social circle and make the most of my retirement years."

With growing demand from the country's senior population and a robust rail network in place, the primary challenge hindering the widespread adoption of these specialized travel products has been the availability of financing and investment channels.

In a significant development, the plan highlighted explicit support for the participation of businesses under all kinds of ownership models, including private enterprises, in the development and operation of these specialized tourism trains and rail lines, as well as market-driven pricing.

The plan has also taken the crucial step of including the retrofitting and enhancement of silver-haired tourism trains — making them more age-friendly, green and comfortable — within the scope of the country's large-scale equipment upgrade programs, under which the government provides financial support.

"While the railway authorities are well-equipped to provide the foundational services and infrastructure necessary for these specialized travel products, the integration of private capital and expertise is crucial in delivering a more robust and diversified range of tourism services," said Zhu Keli, founding director of the China Institute of New Economy.

One of the key advantages these industry giants bring to the table is their deep understanding of the tourism market and their established relationships with local attractions and destinations. By leveraging these connections, they can curate tailored travel packages that integrate the diverse offerings of the regions served by the tourism trains, Zhu said.

Moreover, the influx of investment and expertise from these industry giants is expected to have a catalytic effect on the growth of the tourism train market, attracting a broader customer base and driving the expansion of these specialized travel products across the country, Zhu added.

Since July, the "Silk Road Express", a collaborative venture between Fosun Infrastructure Development Group and China Railway Qinghai-Tibet Group, has been offering a five-day round trip between Xining, Qinghai province to Dunhuang, Gansu province.

According to Fosun, the company established a specialized project company to oversee the renovation and enhancement of the trains, as well as day-to-day operations. The railway authorities, on the other hand, do not directly participate in the train's investment, but rather provide critical services such as rolling stock, rail transport and safety assurances.

By separating the investment and operational responsibilities, this new model allows both parties to focus on their core competencies, ultimately delivering a more seamless and enriching travel experience for senior passengers, Zhu said.

wangkeju@chinadaily.com.cn