Train 5640, a green-skinned slow service running between Guiyang and Yuping departed from Guiyang Railway Station on Feb 8. Heading east along the Shanghai-Kunming Railway toward its destination, it marked the launch of the 2026 "Guizhou Village Train" initiative.

Train 5640 departs from Guiyang Railway Station. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

This public welfare slow train serves more than 100 ethnic villages along its 337-kilometer route, with a characteristic "stop at every station" schedule. By transforming its carriages into a vessel for local flavor, intangible cultural heritage, and Chinese New Year festivities, it infuses every leg of the Spring Festival travel season with a palpable sense of warmth and happiness.

Shortly after departure, lively activities unfolded across its carriages. In Carriage No 2, inheritors of intangible cultural heritage showcased centuries-old skills: Batik artists traced patterns on white cloth with wax knives; the clinking of silver jewelry resonated; and Miao embroidery masters brought floral and avian motifs to life with their swift needles, drawing admiration from passengers.

Carriage No 3 operated as a train supermarket and premium Chinese New Year goods store, offering a wide selection of local specialties, including sour soup base, high-mountain tea, smoked pork and sausages, and beef jerky.

An array of Guizhou local specialties onboard the train. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

Carriage No 4 became a mobile performance venue, with young Dong performers in splendid attire presenting traditional Dong pipa (lute) songs, alongside lusheng (a reed-pipe wind instrument) performances, and flash showcases of intangible cultural heritage skills.

Carriage No 5 served as the "Postal Theme・Village Train Feeling Conveying Station", where passengers penned their Chinese New Year wishes. Staff members collected postcards filled with blessings, allowing sentiments to travel beyond the train's journey.

The train stopped at Liugeji Station, an internet-famous stop along the Shanghai-Kunming Railway. Villagers boarded during the brief three-minute halt, carrying vegetable baskets by hand or on shoulder poles, adding to the bustling atmosphere.

The 5640 "Guizhou Village Train" Chinese New Year celebrations are running until Feb 15, with the lowest ticket price set at just 6 yuan between Guiyang and Yuping railway stations. This train, carrying both the hopes of local villagers and the nostalgia of travelers with its warm, heartfelt service, continues to write a moving chapter of comprehensive rural vitalization as it traverses these ethnic villages.

Young Dong performers present traditional songs. [Photo/Guiyang news network]