China Plans ‘Silver Trains’ To Encourage Retirees To Travel

China plans to roll out a network of tourist trains equipped with medical and eldercare facilities as part of its efforts to create a “silver economy” and unlock the spending power of its ageing population.

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BEIJING -

On Feb 11, the Culture and Tourism and Commerce ministries, along with China State Railway Group, issued a guideline action plan to launch trains specifically designed for retiree tourists.

A nationwide “silver tourist train” network featuring “diversified tourist routes, a wide range of tourism themes and comprehensive services” will be built by 2027, the document said.

A 1960s baby boom and subsequent decades-long one-child policy have turned China into one of the world’s quickest ageing populations.