'Never-Departing' Green Train Becomes Warm Overnight Haven for Hangzhou Station Travelers

A 95-meter-long green carriage parked outside Hangzhou East Railway Station in Zhejiang Province never departs, but for many late-night travelers, it has become a warm and welcome place to rest, especially during the peak Spring Festival travel period, China Central Television reported.

Located in the station's east square, the train, known as the "star guardian," operates daily from 8pm to 8am the next day as a free overnight rest area for passengers arriving late at night or waiting for early morning departures.

The train consists of four carriages covering 280 square meters and offers 126 reclining electric sofas. It is equipped with constant-temperature air conditioning, storage spaces with individual electronic locks, soft night lights, USB charging ports, and free hot water.

Display screens inside show real-time train schedules to help passengers track departures. Each seat features a one-button call function for assistance. The carriages are also equipped with water dispensers and first-aid kits.

Staff members are on duty to register travelers and provide guidance. As part of the rules, passengers are required to take a breath alcohol test before entering to ensure a quiet and comfortable environment. A women-friendly carriage is located at the end of the train.

Passengers with tickets departing between 11pm and 7:30am, as well as those arriving late at night for transfers, can register with their ID cards to rest on the train, according to a staff member surnamed Xu.

Before the service was introduced, many travelers had no choice but to wait in the open squares during summer or remain in arrival halls during winter after the last trains and Metro services had ended for the night.

To improve the situation, the station's management committee installed the stationary green train, sourcing it from a supplier in Linyi, Shandong Province.

Since its launch last September, the train has provided nearly 10,000 travelers with a safe and comfortable place to spend the night.