China correspondent
BBC/Benjamin Begley
In the face of Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese products, Beijing is asserting its strength, insisting that its economy is robust enough to withstand these challenges.
However, Chinese officials this week have recognized the potential for economic difficulties stemming from the escalating trade conflict with the US.
To counteract the decline in export revenues, one approach for policymakers could be to boost domestic consumption.
With a vast population, increased domestic spending could reduce reliance on foreign trade.
Targeting retirees, who often have years of savings, is a crucial aspect of this strategy.
The government encourages them to spend for the country’s benefit.
Programs like the “silver train” are specifically designed to cater to older travelers.
On the Star Express, retirees are enjoying cocktails while passing around the karaoke mic as they celebrate their journey through Yunnan province.
They’re relishing roast goose and pairing it with shots of baijiu, a traditional Chinese white spirit.
66-year-old Daniel Ling, traveling with fellow retirees, expresses, “After all these years of hard work, it’s essential to enjoy life at this age.”
BBC/Benjamin Begley
This initiative seeks to transform an economic challenge into a viable solution by providing retirees enjoyable ways to spend their resources.
Families are hesitant to expend due to financial uncertainties; a significant downturn in property values has adversely affected their primary asset, while rising unemployment breeds insecurity.
An ageing population combined with low birth rates compounds the economic strain as the ratio of retirees rises annually.
However, retirees have the time and the financial means to travel.
Thus, they are provided fresh opportunities to enjoy their wealth through special trains targeting under-visited areas—regions that are in dire need of economic uplift.
Dr. Huang Huang, a research associate from the China Tourism Academy, states, “The silver trains will primarily stop at areas in need, like underdeveloped rural regions or small towns experiencing economic hardship.”
“Passengers will consume various products while onboard, but upon arrival, they will explore local tourist spots and traditional villages.”
BBC/Rachel Yu
In Baisha, travelers visit the simple street stalls located at the base of traditional two-storey wooden houses constructed by the Naxi ethnic minority.
One traveler buys delicious barbecued yak meat, while the vendor shares that his stall has only been in business for a year and relies on outside visitors to thrive.
The street offers a variety of dishes, including spicy potatoes, lamb skewers, fresh orange juice, and traditional Naxi clothing.
This region has low incomes, with many young people leaving due to a lack of job opportunities.
It can be an arduous journey for retirees to reach this destination, but the silver trains offer easy boarding and alighting, assistance from staff, and added medical support if necessary.
Shi Lili, 69, says with her granddaughter by her side, the adventurous spirit of her youth has returned: “Back in my youth, I loved exploring new places alone. Now, I have my family with me.”
BBC/Rachel Yu
By the end of last year, 22% of China’s demographic was over the age of 60, totaling over 310 million individuals.
Thus, even a small fraction of the retirees opting for silver train journeys could represent millions in ticket sales. The railway authorities project 100 routes to be operational within three years.
While such excursions won’t single-handedly solve China’s significant consumer spending challenges, they could be viewed as a positive development.
Elderly citizens display an increased enthusiasm for travel compared to previous generations, indicating immense potential, as noted by Dr. Huang.
“Given that China’s aging populace is a lasting reality, we should seek opportunities rather than continually regarding it as an issue.”
As the silver adventurers relax on the train, they can rest easy knowing that their day of exploration contributes to a broader purpose.
Next stop: a new town awaits.
