Hubei launches hotel-like tourist train with private rooms

A newly renovated train by China Railway Wuhan Group is expected to provide luxurious experiences for tourists. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A newly renovated train in Central China's Hubei province aims to offer hotel-like accommodations for tourists, marking a departure from the traditional crowded and low-cost green rail services.

China Railway Wuhan Group launched its first "comfortable tourist train" on Friday. The train includes double and twin rooms, as well as shared cabins with three or four beds. Amenities include KTV rooms, chess and card rooms, en-suite bathrooms, non-slip flooring, safety handrails, and emergency call buttons.

The operator says the train is designed to serve the country's growing "silver-hair" economy, with a focus on elderly passengers. Onboard services include a medical team providing 24-hour care, a tour guide team offering cultural interpretation, and a butler team handling one-on-one requests.

The inaugural 12-day route departs April 15, connecting Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Anshun and other destinations in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. Prices range from 10,999 yuan (about $1,600) for an upper berth in a four-person cabin to 26,999 yuan for a deluxe double room. A 17-day summer tour to Xinjiang costs up to 58,999 yuan per person.

According to the railway group, the fare covers train tickets, admission fees, meals, and onboard services. Of 15 planned trips this year, roughly 70 percent of berths have been sold. For the April 15 departure, only 10 percent of spots remain.

A newly renovated train by China Railway Wuhan Group is expected to provide luxurious experiences for tourists. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

A newly renovated train by China Railway Wuhan Group is expected to provide luxurious experiences for tourists. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

A newly renovated train by China Railway Wuhan Group is expected to provide luxurious experiences for tourists. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

A newly renovated train by China Railway Wuhan Group is expected to provide luxurious experiences for tourists. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]