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Jiayang steam train
Located in Qianwei County, Leshan City, Sichuan Province, the Jiayang Steam Train is one of the world’s few remaining operational narrow-gauge steam trains carrying passengers.
Running for more than 60 years, this historic railway offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience the charm of steam-era transportation while traveling through the beautiful countryside of southern Sichuan. With its old-fashioned carriages, steam whistle, mountain landscapes, and industrial heritage, the Jiayang Steam Train is often called a “living fossil of the Industrial Revolution.”
History of the Jiayang Steam Train
The story of the Jiayang Steam Train began in 1958 when Jiayang Coal Mine, the predecessor of Sichuan Jiayang Group, built the Bashi Railway (Bajiao Valley–Shixi Railway) to transport coal from the mining area.
The railway covers a total distance of 19.84 kilometers and officially began operation on July 12, 1959. To operate the line, the mine purchased steam locomotives from the Shijiazhuang Steam Locomotive Factory in Hebei Province.
Unlike standard railways, the Bashi Railway uses an extremely narrow gauge of only 762 millimeters, about half the width of a conventional railway. Because of its tiny size, the train became known locally as the “inch-sized train.”
Originally built for coal transportation, the railway gradually became an essential transportation link for local villagers, carrying both goods and passengers between mountain communities and nearby towns.
A Rare Example of Traditional Steam Technology
The Jiayang Steam Train preserves many features of early steam railway technology from the Industrial Revolution era.
The locomotive still operates with:
* Coal manually shoveled into the furnace
* Steam-powered engines and whistles
* Narrow tracks and small driving wheels
* Traditional hand-operated signals
* Manual railway switches
The train also uses a special Y-shaped turnout system invented by Zhan Tianyou, one of China’s most important railway pioneers.
The railway route itself is an impressive engineering achievement. The train travels through steep mountain terrain, crossing gradients of up to 36‰, sharp curves with a radius of only 70 meters, and numerous tunnels. The journey is not only a train ride but also a spectacular sightseeing experience.
Experience Riding the Jiayang Steam Train
Painted in traditional dark green, the small steam locomotive consists of a steam boiler section and a tender carrying coal and water.
The train usually pulls several short carriages, each less than five meters long. The simple wooden seats, open windows, and vintage design create an atmosphere that feels like traveling back in time.
Passengers can enjoy:
* The sound of the powerful steam engine
* The classic steam whistle echoing through valleys
* White smoke drifting above mountain landscapes
* Slow travel through rural Sichuan scenery
The train stops at eight stations along the route, serving both visitors and local residents. Conductors still sell tickets onboard and help operate the traditional braking system during downhill sections.
Scenic Landscapes Along the Railway Route
The Jiayang Steam Train journey passes through some of the most beautiful rural landscapes in Sichuan.
Highlights include:
Shuixingzai Canyon
A dramatic valley featuring green mountains and deep gorges.
Bajiaogou Valley
A peaceful mountain area surrounded by natural scenery and traditional villages.
Mifeng Crag
A scenic area with rugged cliffs and unique geological landscapes.
Along the way, passengers can see:
* Rolling green hills
* Ancient villages from the Qing Dynasty period
* The Mabian River surrounded by prehistoric plant species
* Traditional farming landscapes
As the small steam locomotive slowly moves through the valleys, leaving a trail of white smoke behind, travelers feel as if they are journeying between the past and present.
A Railway Loved by Local Communities
Since beginning operation in 1959, the Jiayang Steam Train has transported millions of passengers and millions of tons of coal.
For local residents living in remote mountain villages, the railway has long been more than just transportation — it is an important connection to the outside world and a symbol of local memories.
The train still operates several daily services, completing the entire round trip in approximately two and a half hours.
One remarkable feature is its long-standing tradition of punctual operation throughout the year.
Industrial Heritage Protection
As steam locomotives have disappeared from most parts of the world, the Jiayang narrow-gauge steam train has attracted increasing attention from railway enthusiasts and travelers worldwide.
To preserve this unique industrial heritage, Leshan City listed the railway as a municipal-level Industrial Heritage site in 2006. In 2007, the Sichuan Provincial Government included it under provincial-level protection.
Today, the Jiayang Steam Train remains one of the few places in the world where visitors can experience an authentic narrow-gauge steam railway still operating with passengers.
Why Visit Jiayang Steam Train?
The Jiayang Steam Train is more than a sightseeing attraction — it is a journey through history.
Visitors can experience:
* A rare surviving steam locomotive
* Traditional railway technology
* Beautiful Sichuan countryside
* Local village life
* A unique industrial heritage experience
For railway lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience, the Jiayang Steam Train is one of Sichuan’s most unforgettable attractions.
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