China Railway adds late-night trains for concertgoers

China Railway Beijing Group has rolled out late-night high-speed trains designed for concertgoers, reflecting how the nation's rail system is adapting to the booming "concert economy."

In the early hours of Monday, two special trains departed from Beijing South Railway Station — G4735 to Shanghai at 0:30 am and C2291 to Tianjin at 0:23 am — carrying hundreds of fans returning after pop artist David Tao's concert at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. Carriages were decorated with posters and souvenirs from the show, creating an immersive fan atmosphere.

The service marked the first time Beijing railway authorities introduced overnight trains tailored to concert crowds, according to the company.

Traditionally, such late-night high-speed services are added only during major holiday peaks such as Spring Festival or National Day. Extending them to concerts illustrates how railways are fine-tuning operations to meet new patterns of demand.

To ensure smooth journeys, Beijing South Station set up dedicated waiting areas, expanded security checks, and increased staff at ticket counters and platforms. Each special train had additional supervisors to maintain order. Onboard, the Shanghai-bound train stocked extra medicines, water, blankets and eye masks, while staff on the Tianjin service focused on safety and helping fans handle luggage after the late-night excitement.

The move comes amid a surge in live entertainment across China. Recent months have seen a string of large-scale concerts and festivals, from pop band Mayday and singer JJ Lin's "JJ20" world tour in Beijing to summer music festivals nationwide. Such events have fueled spikes in hotel bookings, restaurant sales and retail consumption in host cities.

The national railway system has long been committed to adapting services to market demand. Earlier this year, special trains were launched for the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, carrying athletes and visitors between key venues. Tourist trains targeting China's "silver-haired" travelers have multiplied, offering accessible facilities and themed experiences for elderly passengers.

By working closely with event organizers, enhancing capacity and offering tailored services, China's expanding railway system aims to facilitate the country's economy. As concerts continue to draw massive crowds, fan-special night trains highlight the flexibility and responsiveness of a system that is increasingly shaping — not just serving — modern travel demand.