Livestreams add new wrinkle to slow trains

An online livestream conducted on a running train from Changting town and Mudanjiang in Heilongjiang province attracted lots of netizens across the country.

Jia Mingxuan, a farmer from Huolonggou village of Changting, conducted the livestream to promote his doubao, a sticky steamed bun stuffed with sweetened bean paste. It's a popular snack in Northeast China.

"We have received another harvest of corn," said Jia, who runs a doubao factory in the village. "In our village, every family has the tradition of making doubao, which is also a bold way to hold the family together."

When Jia and his father started their business in 2012, Jia often traveled to different regions in Mudanjiang to promote their products.

"The old-fashioned low-speed trains, which are painted green, had become the preferred choice of my frequent travel," he said. "On the carriages, there have been some boards installed to present information about our agricultural products."

The 74-kilometer rail line has 11 stops, most of which are located in mountainous areas with underdeveloped roads, according to China Railway Harbin Group.

Gradually, Jia's doubao became a well-known brand in the surrounding regions. The annual income of his family increased to over 100,000 yuan ($14,050).

In 2017, Jia expanded his plant and started large-scale production, with an annual sales volume valued at 1 million yuan.

Upgraded with air conditioning and repainted, the train provided passengers a more comfortable travel experience recently. There are also three themed carriages to help farmers and benefit migrant workers, as well as to show different cultures.

Then Jia had a new idea.

"It has become a distinctive train," he said. "Livestreaming is a good way to promote local products."

He received great support from the railway workers on the train. They provided a special area in the themed carriage for local farmers to do the livestreams and Jia became the first host.

During the process, Jia introduced his quality products to customers, along with the beautiful landscapes along the trip.

"It works well, and I have received a lot of warm response," he said. "With the help of the new method, I can see an obvious increase in sales."