There is a very alternative train in Shandong Province, with only 4 cabins and the speed is only 1/10 of the high-speed rail. The fare is as low as 5 cents, and the full ticket is only 11.5 yuan (USD 1.6).
This train is No. 7053 slow train that run from Zibo to Taishan. It is the only public service "slow train" in Shandong Province.
Today, China Railways announced that this train has been upgraded from the original ordinary train to an air-conditioned train and the round trip time is reduced by 34 minutes.
The newly upgraded 7053 "Slow Train" still continues the original stop.
After the implementation of the new train map on April 10, the K8279 train from Jinan to Zibo will continue to run from the 7053 train from Zibo to Taishan, passing through 15 villages and 6 characteristic towns.
This green-leather train's cabins was increased from 4to 6 after the Spring Festival in 2020.
From Zibo Station to Taishan Station, the total distance is 184 kilometers. There are 24 stops along the way. The journey takes 5 hours and 49 minutes.
It was originally an internal commuter car for railway employees. Later, in order to facilitate the travel of ordinary people along the way, it began to sell tickets outside.
The train is towed by diesel locomotives, with an average speed of 32 kilometers per hour, so slow that passengers can see the wild fruits on the branches and the villagers working in the field. It is the slowest train in China.
Prior to this, the entire train had no dining car and no air conditioning. In addition to lighting and small fans that required electricity to maintain, the traditional coal stove was used for water heating and heating.