As cherry blossoms paint Sichuan's valleys pink this February, the century-old Jiayang steam train has become an unlikely star of China's booming "Travel with Chinese Films" initiative. Over 15,000 visitors rode the vintage rail line through bamboo forests and blooming canola fields this month alone, according to Leshan City tourism data.
Chugging Through Cinematic History
First operational in 1959, the narrow-gauge railway now transports passengers through landscapes featured in recent domestic blockbusters like Mountain Echoes (2025). Local guides highlight filming locations during the 70-minute journey between Shixi and Huangcunjing stations.
Economic Steam Power
The tourism surge has revitalized rural communities along the route, with homestay bookings up 210% compared to spring 2025. "This isn't just nostalgia – it's sustainable development," says Sichuan University economics professor Zhang Wei. "Each train car generates local business equivalent to 20 tourist buses."
Local authorities have extended operating hours through April 2026 while maintaining strict heritage preservation protocols. Advance bookings are recommended through official channels to avoid overcrowding during peak bloom periods.
