Big gains on slow tracks

The No 5640 and No 5639 services run between Yuping Dong autonomous county of Tongren city and the provincial capital Guiyang, linking more than 100 villages along the route.

Averaging under 50 kilometers per hour, the slow train has operated since 1997. A full-route ticket costs 44.5 yuan (about $6.50), while the lowest fare is 6 yuan, helping keep travel affordable for local residents.

These trains are among several similar services that continue to operate across the region.