China’s Economic Downturn Sparks Shift in Travel Trends: Empty High-Speed Rails and Crowded Green Leather Trains
Table of Contents
- China’s Economic Downturn Sparks Shift in Travel Trends: Empty High-Speed Rails and Crowded Green Leather Trains
- Key Comparisons: High-Speed Rail vs. Green Leather Trains
- Interview: Understanding China’s Shifting Travel Trends During the Lunar New Year Rush
- Editor’s Question: What has been the most surprising trend during this year’s Lunar New year travel rush in China?
- Editor’s Question: Why are high-speed rail carriages so empty despite reports of ticket shortages?
- Editor’s Question: What makes the green leather trains so appealing to passengers this year?
- Editor’s Question: How has the economic downturn influenced travel habits during the Lunar New Year?
- Editor’s Question: Is the resurgence of green leather trains just about affordability, or is there more to it?
- Editor’s Question: What does this shift in travel preferences say about the current state of China’s economy?
- Conclusion
As China’s economy continues to struggle, the annual Lunar New Year travel rush has revealed a stark contrast in transportation choices. While the country’s high-speed rail network, once a symbol of modernization and efficiency, now sees empty carriages, the conventional green leather trains are packed to the brim with passengers. This phenomenon highlights the growing financial strain on Chinese citizens and their preference for affordability over speed.
The High-Speed Rail Illusion
This year’s travel rush, which began on January 14, has seen a surprising trend: high-speed rail stations are eerily quiet, with few passengers boarding or alighting. Videos circulating on platforms like Douyin show nearly empty carriages, despite reports of ticket shortages. One netizen, “half-eyebrows,” shared their experience: “When buying a ticket, I was deceived by the high-speed rail. I thoght tickets were scarce, but after boarding, I found the entire carriage empty. The train is now arriving at the next station, but ther’s no one here.”
According to Mr.Li, a railway employee, the scarcity of high-speed rail passengers is due to two main factors. First, the economic downturn has left many unable to afford the steep ticket prices. “High-speed rail tickets are much more expensive than ordinary train tickets, and people can’t afford them at all,” he explained. Second, fewer people are working outside their hometowns due to factory closures and job losses, reducing overall passenger traffic.
The Rise of Green Leather Trains
In contrast, the green leather trains, known for their affordability and slower speeds, have seen a surge in popularity. These trains, named for their distinctive green exteriors, are a traditional mode of transport in China, with speeds ranging from 40 to 120 kilometers per hour. Videos on Douyin show carriages overflowing with passengers, with people crammed into aisles, doorways, and even toilets.
The appeal of these trains lies in their low cost. For example, a high-speed rail ticket from Beijing to Chengdu costs between 800 and 1,000 yuan, while a green leather train ticket is just over 200 yuan. For migrant workers struggling with reduced incomes, the savings are significant. As one netizen commented, “Although the high-speed rail is fast, saving 600 yuan is equivalent to three days’ salary for an ordinary person.”
Economic Pressures and Changing Travel Habits
The shift in travel preferences is a direct reflection of China’s economic challenges. In 2024, the country’s economy continued to decline, and high-speed rail ticket prices increased by approximately 20%. This has made the already expensive mode of transport even less accessible for many.Mr.Hu, a frequent traveler from Guangdong to Changsha, noted that many of his friends opted for green leather trains this year. “The price of high-speed rail tickets has increased during the New Year, making them several times more expensive than ordinary trains. It’s better to spend a few extra hours on a train and save money,” he said.
A Return to Tradition
The resurgence of green leather trains is not just a response to economic pressures but also a return to traditional travel habits. These trains, which have been a staple of China’s transportation system for decades, gained renewed popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. The economic downturn has further cemented their role as a lifeline for low-income travelers.
As the Lunar New Year travel rush continues, the contrast between empty high-speed rails and crowded green leather trains serves as a poignant reminder of the economic challenges facing ordinary Chinese citizens.For many, the choice is clear: affordability trumps speed.
Key Comparisons: High-Speed Rail vs. Green Leather Trains
| Aspect | High-Speed Rail | Green Leather Trains |
|————————–|———————————————|——————————————|
| Speed | 250-350 km/h | 40-120 km/h |
| Cost (Beijing-Chengdu)| 800-1,000 yuan | 200+ yuan |
| Passenger Load | Nearly empty carriages | Overcrowded, with passengers in aisles |
| Primary Users | Affluent travelers | Low-income migrant workers |
| Economic Impact | High ticket prices deter passengers | Affordable option for budget travelers |
The story of China’s 2025 Lunar New Year travel rush is one of resilience and adaptation. As economic pressures mount, the green leather train has emerged as a symbol of practicality and necessity, offering a lifeline to those who can no longer afford the luxury of speed.
Interview: Understanding China’s Shifting Travel Trends During the Lunar New Year Rush
Editor’s Question: What has been the most surprising trend during this year’s Lunar New year travel rush in China?
Guest: The most surprising trend has been the stark contrast between the high-speed rail and the traditional green leather trains.While the high-speed rail, once a symbol of China’s modernization and efficiency, is now seeing nearly empty carriages, the green leather trains are packed to the brim. This shift highlights the growing financial strain on Chinese citizens and their preference for affordability over speed.
Editor’s Question: Why are high-speed rail carriages so empty despite reports of ticket shortages?
Guest: According to railway employees like Mr.Li, there are two main reasons. First, the economic downturn has left many unable to afford the steep ticket prices. High-speed rail tickets are substantially more expensive than ordinary train tickets, and many peopel simply can’t afford them. Second,fewer people are working outside their hometowns due to factory closures and job losses,which has reduced overall passenger traffic.
Editor’s Question: What makes the green leather trains so appealing to passengers this year?
Guest: the appeal of the green leather trains lies in their affordability. For example, a high-speed rail ticket from Beijing to Chengdu costs between 800 and 1,000 yuan, while a green leather train ticket is just over 200 yuan. for migrant workers struggling with reduced incomes, the savings are significant. As one netizen pointed out, “Although the high-speed rail is fast, saving 600 yuan is equivalent to three days’ salary for an ordinary person.”
Editor’s Question: How has the economic downturn influenced travel habits during the Lunar New Year?
Guest: The economic downturn has had a direct impact on travel habits. In 2024, China’s economy continued to decline, and high-speed rail ticket prices increased by approximately 20%. This has made the already expensive mode of transport even less accessible for many. As a result, more people are opting for the more affordable green leather trains, even if it means spending a few extra hours on the journey.
Editor’s Question: Is the resurgence of green leather trains just about affordability, or is there more to it?
Guest: While affordability is a major factor, the resurgence of green leather trains also represents a return to traditional travel habits. These trains have been a staple of China’s transportation system for decades and gained renewed popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.The economic downturn has further cemented their role as a lifeline for low-income travelers, making them a practical and necessary choice for many.
Editor’s Question: What does this shift in travel preferences say about the current state of China’s economy?
Guest: The shift in travel preferences is a poignant reminder of the economic challenges facing ordinary Chinese citizens.the contrast between empty high-speed rails and crowded green leather trains underscores the financial strain many are experiencing. for a growing number of people, affordability has become more significant than speed, reflecting broader economic pressures and changing priorities.
Conclusion
The 2025 Lunar New Year travel rush in China has revealed significant shifts in transportation choices, driven by economic pressures and changing travel habits. While the high-speed rail, once a symbol of modernization, now sees empty carriages, the traditional green leather trains have become a lifeline for low-income travelers. This trend highlights the growing financial strain on Chinese citizens and their preference for affordability over speed. As economic challenges continue, the green leather train has emerged as a symbol of practicality and necessity, offering a vital option for those who can no longer afford the luxury of high-speed travel.