Amid the rhythmic clatter of their wheels, Shanxi's leisurely paced trains connect breathtaking landscapes and boost tourism and specialty industries, while also supporting local livelihoods and facilitating rural vitalization.

Train 8818/7, which departs from Taiyuan Railway Station and travels 305 kilometers to Lingqiu Railway Station, is the province's longest-running train, traversing mountains, bearing witness to the times, and playing a vital role in alleviating poverty along its route.

A leisurely paced train crosses over a lake. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

"We are currently focused on creating an 'agricultural assistance train' where information about local products brought by passengers is displayed in the carriages, allowing those interested to contact sellers directly," explains conductor Wu Lin. "We also provide sewing tools on board to repair damaged bags or suitcases." These thoughtful services warm the hearts of locals, who affectionately refer to it as the "train bound for prosperity".

With the rise of "slow tourism", this train has also become an option for travelers, linking scenic spots such as Xinzhou Ancient City, Mount Wutai, and Yanmen Pass, drawing more visitors and boosting local tourism.

Villager Yang Cuizhen shares her homegrown sunflower seeds with a passenger. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Aboard the 8823/8833 train from Kelan to Datong, which connects towns and villages in Wuzhai, Shenchi, Ningwu, and Shuozhou, passenger Han Wuxu from Shenchi county says, "With many stops and low fares, this train is essential for students, the elderly seeking medical care, and transporting mountain goods."

In the carriage connections, locals carefully arrange regional products, using the affordable train fare to bring mountain delicacies to urban markets, turning those specialties into income. In the transport-challenged northern Shanxi mountains, these trains not only connect people to daily essentials but also tie together hopes and dreams of a better life.