China updates train timetable for railways across country

China's railway department on Sunday implemented a new train timetable for railways across the country, after which 13,028 passenger trains are scheduled, 230 more from the previous one.

After the adjustment, cross-border trains increased significantly, with the number of daily cross-border EMU trains on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway increasing to 242.

The new timetable also strengthened the link between mainland and Hong Kong. For the first time, EMU trains from Xi'an North Station, Wuhan Station, and Jieyang Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station were put into operation. The round-trip travel time of high-speed trains and EMU sleeper trains between Beijing West and Hong Kong West Kowloon was shortened by 33 minutes and 59 minutes respectively.

The running time of trains heading south from north has been greatly shortened under the new timetable. For example, the fastest time between Hohhot, capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China, and Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province will be shortened to 10 hours and 43 minutes, about 13 hours shorter than before.

"We will upgrade 10 pairs of high-speed trains, including the G920 from Shenyang to Beijing and the G3603 from Changbaishan station to Beijing's Chaoyang station, into Fuxing intelligent EMUs, which will provide a more comfortable and quieter riding environment," said Guo Shuang, a staff member of the National Railway Shenyang Bureau.

After the adjustment, the total number of freight trains running on railways nationwide will reach 22,859, an increase of 91 from before, to ensure the transportation of key materials during the Spring Festival travel rush.

Additional freight trains will run on multiple railways linking Lanzhou in northwest China's Gansu Province to improve the transportation capacity of coal from Xinjiang. The total number of freight trains for direct bulk delivery will exceed 400, providing strong support for winter energy supply and the smooth operation of the national economy.

China updates train timetable for railways across country

As China's elderly population grows, shopping malls in Shanghai have actively adapted part of their services to cater to the needs and preferences of elderly consumers, tapping into silver-haired consumer market.

This trend reflects the city's efforts to enhance elderly care services amid the population aging. By the end of 2023, people aged 60 and older reached 5.68 million in Shanghai, representing a whopping 37.4 percent of the city's total population.

A shopping mall on the downtown Nanjing East Road pedestrian street has opened a dedicated club for senior citizens, offering a diverse range of activities from the operation of health workshops to traditional handicraft classes.

"I gain a lot every time I come here. I can participate in various club activities and also exchange knowledge and everyday life hacks with others," said Fu Meilin, an elderly resident.

The mall houses nearly 60 time-honored brands, along with dining and entertainment options suited to senior citizens.

Another business district in Shanghai's Putuo District has adopted a different approach, focusing on attracting retirees during weekdays while catering to younger shoppers on weekends.

Restaurants offer affordable off-peak meal deals priced under 100 yuan (about 13.88 U.S. dollars), attracting a large number of senior customers.

To ensure a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for the elderly, many shopping malls have conducted age-friendly renovations, including providing comfortable seating areas, accessible restrooms, and consumer guidance services for the elderly shoppers.

Driven by the population aging, China's "silver economy" has shown vast growth potential, with the market currently estimated at around seven trillion yuan and projected to reach a 30 trillion yuan by 2035.

Shopping malls in Shanghai adapt to cater to growing 'silver economy'