First Shanxi-Inner Mongolia high-speed tourist train launched

The high-speed tourist train between Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Shanxi Province, both in north China, was officially launched on Sunday, injecting new momentum into the cultural and tourism development of the two regions.

The D4022 bullet train, with 420 tourists onboard, embarked on a four-day journey featuring cultural exploration and winter sports.

The new tourist train service follows the opening of the Jining-Datong-Yuanping high-speed railway on Tuesday, which spans from Jining in Inner Mongolia through Datong to Yuanping in Shanxi.

The tourist train, decorated with festive elements, provided an immersive Inner Mongolian cultural experience for passengers with performances of the horsehead fiddle and traditional Mongolian dances and songs.

"When I got on the train, I felt warm at heart as it was filled with the atmosphere of the Year of the Snake and the Spring Festival," said Li Zhiqiang, one of the passnegers. Upon arriving in Inner Mongolia, the tourists will have the opportunity to explore cities such as Hohhot, Ordos, Ulanqab, and Baotou, fully experiencing the charm of winter tourism in the region. "Going forward, we will continue to promote the 'high-speed rail plus tourism' model, striving to create more cultural tourism products and premium routes to offer better services to tourists from across the country," said Ma Jing, a staff member of the Inner Mongolia Department of Culture and Tourism.

The launch of the high-speed tourist train coincides with China's announcement of an expanded railway network on Sunday, with a new operating plan adding 230 passenger trains nationwide, bringing the total to 13,028. The updated schedule is expected to enhance travel convenience, particularly during the busy Spring Festival travel period.

First Shanxi-Inner Mongolia high-speed tourist train launched

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'