As China's slow travel trend gains momentum, elderly tourists have become a driving force behind the booming railway tourism.

During this May Day holiday which started on May 1, the high-speed train G6080 from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province has experienced a surge in passenger volume. Tourists from across the Greater Bay Area, including Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Humen, boarded the scenic route, with many silver-haired travelers among them.

The G6080 train, launched in June last year, departs daily from Hong Kong's West Kowloon Station at 08:30, arriving at Zhangjiajie West Station at 14:52 after a 6-hour 22-minute journey covering 1,235 kilometers. According to China Railway Guangzhou Group, over 187,800 passengers traveled on tourism trains last year, with senior tourists accounting for 40 percent of the total. The G6080 route, which connects several prominent tourist attractions, has become a favorite among silver-haired travelers seeking culture, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Along the way, passengers can shop for traditional Xiangxi handicrafts, enjoy a slow-paced visit to the ancient town of Fenghuang with tea by the Tuojiang River, watch a Miao drum dance performance in Qianzhou, or explore the scenic Dehang Grand Canyon in Jishou, which offers senior-friendly boardwalks and sightseeing trams. Zhangjiajie itself, known for lush forests with a 98 percent tree coverage rate, is increasingly popular among older travelers seeking a summer retreat or wellness getaway.

Beyond simply enjoying the scenery, senior tourists are also becoming key contributors to local economies. For instance, Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie welcomed 1.1 million visitors aged 60 and above last year, accounting for 20 percent of its total annual visitors. Therefore, Wulingyuan Scenic Area has added accessible walking paths and robotic hiking assistants to enhance the elderly travel experience. Tailored tour packages now include wellness, cultural heritage, and slow-paced travel options to match the preferences of older tourists.

The G6080 train has a full capacity of 1,156 passengers. During the May Day holiday, onboard activities have been organized to enrich the travel experience. The train also offers Cantonese-language announcements and safety tips, and provides plug converters to accommodate the different electrical outlets used in Hong Kong and the mainland, ensuring a smooth journey for all passengers.

Operating an average of 165 trains daily, Zhangjiajie West Station is expected to handle 160,000 passenger trips during the May Day rush, marking a five percent increase year on year. In April alone, the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park received more than 10,000 tourists arriving via special trains, with seniors aged 65 and above making up 70 percent of the total.