Narrow-gauge Train

A scenic rail journey through Jianshui’s countryside along a section of the historic Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, passing historical French train stations and a rustic village on the way.

What is the Narrow-Gauge Train?

The Narrow-Gauge Train is a yellow sightseeing train that takes visitors from Jianshui Ancient Town past farmland and traditional houses. It is one of the last operating narrow-gauge railways in China. The route runs from Lin’an Station in Jianshui Ancient Town to Tuanshan Station and back to Lin’an.

History of the Railway

The Narrow-Gauge Railway was once a part of the historical Yunnan-Vietnam Railway built at the beginning of the 20th century. This history is reflected in the train’s design, which blends Chinese, French and Vietnamese influences. It has operated for over 100 years and retains its Republican-era style.

The narrow-gauge trains were designed to navigate mountainous landscapes and tight curves, making them suited to Yunnan’s terrain. Many narrow-gauge trains have been replaced by high-speed railways, however the slow services are ideal for scenic journeys.

What makes this train unique

This scenic train is an excellent way to experience the countryside and attractions of Jianshui, such as Double Dragon Bridge, Xianghui Bridge Station and Tuanshan Village.

Even the train attendants add to the experience, wearing 1930s-style uniforms and handing out complimentary bottled water and sweet rice crisps (sachima). The train stations also offer small games for visitors, such as target practice with a slingshot.

What makes this railway stand out is its blend of Vietnamese and French influences, from the bright yellow train itself to the historical architecture of the stations.

Experience on the Narrow-Gauge Train

The train is a three- to four-hour round trip with stops along the way to explore the tracks and historical stations. The journey begins at Lin’an Station, which was once Jianshui East Station. The building has been restored to its original style, with an antique interior and renovated wooden carriages.

The train then stops for 30 minutes at the Double Dragon Bridge Station. This bridge, built during the Qing Dynasty, stretches over the lake in a series of graceful arches. The bridge’s symmetrical design, with 17 arches and a central tower, creates a reflection in the water that is popular with photographers.

The next stop along the train line is Xianghui Bridge Station. At this stop, historical buildings blend traditional Chinese wooden construction and roofs with French-style bright yellow walls and mint-green window frames.

The last stop is an ancient village called Tuanshan. A highlight of the village is the Zhang Family Residence. Located in the heart of the village, the mansion features carved wooden details depicting dragons, lions, flowers and silhouettes. Visitors can spend one and a half to two hours in the village before boarding the train back to Lin’an.

When to experience

The train can be taken throughout the year due to Jianshui’s subtropical climate. Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather and clear skies. In spring, yellow canola flowers bloom along the tracks, and in autumn the fields turn golden and are ready for harvest. Summer is the rainy season, bringing vibrant green fields and occasional rain showers.

The train departs twice daily at 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM, with the round trip taking about three to four hours.

Does this suit your travel style?

The Jianshui Narrow-Gauge Train suits travellers who enjoy relaxing and watching the scenery slowly pass by. It also suits those interested in history, as the railway was a part of the historic Yunnan-Vietnam Railway and has many attractions along the route.

As the train ride is seated with a few easy stops along the route, travellers of all ages can comfortably enjoy this experience.