Chinese flock to Laos to beat cold

As chilly weather blankets China, a growing number of senior residents are traveling to Laos via the China-Laos Railway, due to the smooth and comfortable train ride, favorable weather and affordability of the neighboring country.

It has become common practice over the years for some silver-haired residents to trade frigid temperatures for the balmy climes of Southwest China's Yunnan province during winter.

However, thanks to the China-Laos Railway, an increasing number of people are venturing beyond the borders of Yunnan and exploring the neighboring country, since there is a convenient train that connects them and because what was once an arduous journey can now be completed in a matter of hours.

As a flagship project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the 1,035-km railway, linking Kunming in Yunnan and the Laotian capital of Vientiane, has greatly enhanced regional connectivity, and facilitated people-to-people exchanges since it began operating in December 2021.

"The train ride is so smooth and comfortable, and it's really a good way to travel," said 72-year-old Zhang Mei from Beijing, who recently returned from a weeklong stay in Laos' Luang Prabang to Xishuangbanna in Yunnan.

Laos is just beautiful at this time of the year — the weather is perfect, the scenery is gorgeous, and everything is so much more affordable compared to traveling domestically, Zhang said.

Zhang is just one of the growing legions of elderly Chinese tourists flocking across the border via the China-Laos Railway.

According to data from the Mohan frontier checkpoint, between Oct 1 and Nov 25, the border crossing recorded over 20,000 outbound Chinese tourist trips — a 195 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Notably, nearly 60 percent of these travelers were aged 60 and above, with the oldest passenger clocking in at 82 years old.

With spacious seating and ample legroom, the railway's coaches provide a far more relaxing travel experience for senior citizens compared with other transportation means, said Wang Qiang, director of the Mohan frontier checkpoint.

To further cater to the needs of elderly passengers, the Mohan frontier checkpoint has rolled out a suite of special services. These include dedicated channels for assisting the elderly with luggage, wheelchair support and coordination with tour operators to streamline the entry and exit process.

"Our top priority is ensuring the travel experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible for our senior citizens," Wang said. "Whether it's expedited Customs clearance or onboard concierge services, we're committed to making their journeys as comfortable and enjoyable as possible."

For many elderly Chinese, cross-border travel is about far more than just sightseeing — it's a chance to rejuvenate both body and mind. The China-Laos Railway has made this type of travel more accessible and enjoyable, said Zhou Mingbo, deputy general manager of online travel platform Fliggy's holiday business department.

This, in turn, has unlocked new opportunities for China's growing silver-haired demographic to explore their southeastern neighbor. No longer burdened by the physical demands and logistical challenges of long-haul bus or car journeys, they can now focus on the relaxing experience, Zhou added.