BEIJING — In a notable development within China's tourism sector, the introduction of 'silver-haired express' trains is transforming travel for the senior demographic, which is increasingly vital to the nation’s leisure industry.

On a recent journey, 73-year-old Tu Guangming, along with over 850 fellow travelers, enjoyed a five-day excursion that began in Chengdu, Sichuan, and included a gastronomic gathering in Jingmen, Hubei.

These specialized tourist trains cater to seniors, incorporating features specifically designed for their comfort and safety.

The average age of travelers on such tours is around 65, making them significantly appealing to an expanding elderly population in China.

The train routes are carefully selected to connect prominent tourist destinations while circumventing the logistical challenges often faced by older travelers.

In just one example of the burgeoning market, a 14-day round trip is facilitating journeys from Heilongjiang in the north to Hong Kong, covering nearly 9,000 kilometers.

This tailored approach underscores the recognition of senior travelers as a powerful demographic, and in 2023, they accounted for 20.6 percent of all domestic travel with a total of 1.16 billion trips.

The increased spending power of this demographic is noteworthy, with the senior tourism market projected to reach 2.7 trillion yuan by 2028. This surge is attributed to a combination of rising living standards and life expectancy, prompting a shift in consumer needs towards high-quality travel experiences.

'Silver-haired express' trains focus on delivering stress-free travel.

Packages include comprehensive arrangements such as transport, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and guided tours, thereby alleviating the usual burdens associated with travel planning.

Features aboard these trains may include wider beds, handrails, karaoke rooms, and provisions for medical care, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for older individuals.

Tu Guangming, who enjoys a monthly pension exceeding 10,000 yuan (around 1,395 U.S. dollars), shared that trips like his recent one cost less than 3,000 yuan per person, illustrating the affordability and accessibility of these travel options for seniors.

As of early 2024, the China State Railway Group reports operating 1,860 tourist trains, with seniors making up nearly 80 percent of the passengers.

There are plans to expand this initiative, with an action plan introduced in February aiming to enhance the silver-haired tourism sector.

This plan includes the introduction of over 100 dedicated tourism routes for seniors and the development of 160 senior-friendly train sets by 2027.

Furthermore, the extensive railway network in China now spans approximately 160,000 kilometers, making it capable of connecting 99 percent of cities with populations exceeding 200,000, thereby facilitating greater access to tourist attractions for seniors.

Emerging international travel opportunities are also part of this trend, with some services incorporating a train-and-cruise model, allowing travelers to journey from Chengdu to coastal cities and then transfer to cruises bound for destinations such as Incheon and Seoul.

Despite the promising growth of the silver-haired train sector, challenges remain.

Tourist reception capacity in less-popular destinations can limit the viability of trips designed for large groups, potentially hindering the travel experience.

Nonetheless, industry experts anticipate that continued investment in infrastructure and services will bolster the development of this niche market, ensuring the needs of senior travelers are met and enhancing local economies.