Shanxi 'slow train' offers affordability, convenience

A folk art troupe performs for passengers on the 8818/8817 train from Taiyuan to Lingqiu in Shanxi province, on Feb 10. [Sun Hao/For China Daily]

305-km public welfare service links history and modernity

In the Taihang Mountains region of northern China, a unique transport known as the "Train of Happiness" traverses the rugged terrain.

Officially designated as a public welfare "slow train", the 8818/8817 conveyance is operated by the China Railway Taiyuan Group. With its affordable fares and convenient services, it's a favored choice for locals.

Stretching 305 kilometers, the ride costs as little as 4 yuan (58 cents) at its lowest fare and 34.5 yuan at its highest. Many of its stops are conveniently located at the very doorstep of villages, making it an essential part of daily life for many, including 71-year-old Liu Ronghua from Lingqiu county in Datong city, Shanxi province.

Liu, who helped build the railway in his youth and later worked on bridge maintenance for three years, is a frequent passenger. "Thanks to the public service train, we can venture beyond the mountains and see the outside world," she said.

The longest-running public welfare slow train in the province operates on the Beijing-Taiyuan Railway, traveling from Taiyuan Station to Lingqiu Station in seven hours and 30 minutes at an average speed of less than 45 km per hour. There are 34 stops along the route.

Since its inception in 1991, "The Train of Happiness" has made daily round trips, weaving through historical sites such as Yanmen Pass and Mount Wutai, effectively linking remote villages with bustling urban centers.

For Sun Zhibin, a teacher at Lingqiu No 7 Middle School, a ticket purchased in 2002 changed his destiny. Carrying a woven bag and wearing plastic-soled shoes, he boarded the train to Taiyuan for his studies. The 19.5-yuan ticket was a precious sum, saved from his father's frugal earnings. On that journey, Sun met his future wife, and after graduation, they returned to Lingqiu. Now, he often takes his children on the train, retracing the path of his educational journey.

Students are a common sight on the "slow train". Sun Nan, a master's student at Shanxi Agricultural University, frequently travels home with agricultural technology materials in hand. His research on livestock has significantly increased the lambing and survival rates of sheep in his hometown, doubling his family's income.

The "slow train" stops at Fanshi, Shanxi province, on Feb 10. [Sun Hao/For China Daily]

"This train is a bridge connecting my school with the fields," said Sun, who is planning to write a livestock breeding manual to distribute for free on the train, benefiting his fellow villagers.

Despite the ongoing dominance of high-speed and bullet trains, Shanxi still maintains four pairs of public welfare "slow trains". Nationwide, there are 81 such pairs, covering 21 provinces and stopping at over 530 stations, with fares costing less than one cent per km. Over the past 35 years, the 8818/8817 has evolved from a steam locomotive to a diesel engine, with modern 25G air-conditioned cars that have served nearly 20 million passengers.

"Every school season and holiday, our train is packed with students," said Hou Jie, Party secretary of the Beijing-Tianjin train team of the Taiyuan passenger transport section, which manages the 8818/8817.

"Our train carries the emotions of many people. Children have ridden this train from village schools to middle schools and then to universities across the country. The slow train has witnessed the educational journeys of generations."

Hou noted the train passes near historical sites like the Battle of Pingxingguan (1937) and the Battle of Xinkou (1937), making it a moving "Red tourism" train. And as Shanxi's cultural tourism industry continues to heat up, with increasing interest in ancient architecture and cultural tours, more passengers are boarding the train to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Taihang Mountains.

Yang Guoli, 50, an attendant from the Taiyuan Railway Vehicle Depot, ensures passenger safety by meticulously inspecting key components before each journey. "Many travelers choose the slow train to savor the picturesque landscapes of Shanxi and experience the charm of rural culture," Yang said.

"As railway workers, we are committed to ensuring safety and providing excellent service. This train injects lasting vitality into the rural areas along its route."

Sun Hao contributed to this story.