Seniors aboard Shandong's first senior-friendly tourism train take a group photo for this significant moment returning to Shandong. [Photo/Dazhong News]

The "Qilu Star" senior-friendly tourism train in Shandong province was fully booked on its last two departures, highlighting its popularity among the senior demographic.

On March 22, Shandong's first senior-friendly tourism train ended its 14-day trip across five provinces, bringing over 700 senior passengers back to Shandong with satisfaction.

The train offers a unique travel experience tailored to the needs of elderly tourists. It features fully air-conditioned sleeping berths, with an increased number of soft-sleeper carriages compared to regular trains.

Additionally, it is equipped with various senior-friendly facilities, such as emergency call buttons in the restrooms, slip-resistant handrails, and twice as many charging ports.

To ensure the health and safety of the senior passengers, the train is staffed with professional doctors and equipped with medical devices like sleep monitors and blood pressure and blood sugar detectors. The onboard dining car also provides specially designed low-sugar, low-salt meals to cater to the dietary needs of seniors.

With an aging population, the market for senior-oriented travel is expanding rapidly. In 2024, China's national railway group transported over 1 million tourists on tourist trains, with nearly 80 percent being seniors.

The "Qilu Star" senior-friendly tourism train not only provides a new way for seniors to enjoy their retirement but also stimulates regional spending and new economic growth.