The dining car has been specially adapted for elderly passengers. Shen Jiyan, a member of the train's dining service team, told Xinhua that they have introduced lighter and softer dishes, along with porridge and slow-cooked soups that are easier to digest. "We adjusted the menu to ensure that seniors can fully enjoy their journey on the train," he said.

　　Train conductor Wang Xijun, who has spent 14 years working on these trains, noted a significant increase in elderly passengers traveling to Hainan for the winter since around 2018. "Nowadays, tickets for these 'trains of migratory birds' become highly sought-after starting in October each year," he said.

　　During his latest shift, he served 18 elderly passengers in wheelchairs.

　　He keeps a notebook to record each passenger's special needs. His responsibilities include fastening wheelchairs securely and assisting passengers who require motion sickness medication. "To me, they are more than just passengers," Wang said.

　　Throughout the years, he has witnessed remarkable changes among the elderly. "They used to bring ample food for their train journeys," Wang recalled. "Now they prefer to savor diverse dishes in the dining car."

　　With lighter luggage, passengers can carry entertainment items such as chess, flutes and even traditional Chinese instruments like the Erhu. "For them, the train is no longer merely a mode of transport but also a form of leisurely tourism," Wang said.

　　Sitting by the window, Song Qingxiang looks forward to capturing scenic photos as the train crosses the sea. More than a decade ago, he bought a house in Ledong County, Sanya City, where his children join him during the Spring Festival. "From struggling for food and clothing in the past to enjoying the freedom to travel wherever we want today, the transformation has been profound," he said.