On October 24th, the G5030 “Book Aroma Train” departed on schedule from Nanchang to Shangrao, heralded by an inviting announcement: “For a millennia of elegance, welcome aboard the ‘Yue Xue·Yue Xing’ book-themed train.” This first book-themed train in Jiangxi Province, jointly created by the China Railway Nanchang Group Co., Ltd. and China Railway Publishing House, aims to promote a culture of reading while enhancing the travel experience for passengers.
Upon stepping onto the “Book Aroma Train,” one is immediately struck by the vibrant “Book Aroma Railway” and “Yue Xue·Yue Xing” signage. The environment inside the train radiates literary charm, with reading promotion posters adorning luggage racks and table tops. The ambiance neatly embodies the theme “Books Enrich the Ganpo, Elegance Recited Through the Ages,” creating a cultural atmosphere that suggests “Books Lead to Far-off Places, Leaving a Lasting Impression.”
The fifth carriage of the G5030 features a carefully arranged reading corner stocked with a variety of books spanning culture, history, travel, and technology. Passengers can easily borrow their favorite books by scanning a code to register their seat number. “We regularly update the selection based on the ‘Yue’ Reading Popular Books List, high-quality publications from Jiangxi, and passenger preferences to meet diverse reading needs,” explained Train Manager Chen Jiaojiao.
As the train sped along, the concept of a “Book Aroma Train” emerged as an innovative step by Nanchang Railway to deepen public engagement with reading and develop a literary rail environment. This initiative transforms high-speed trains into mobile spaces for reading, sharing, and discussion, guiding passengers into the world of literature and the allure of reading. Additionally, Nanchang Railway is expanding its services by establishing “Book Aroma Stations” at several stations within its jurisdiction.
“Passengers can borrow books from the ‘Book Aroma Stations’ and return them at any of the seven stations across eight cities in Jiangxi and Fujian provinces, making reading during travel more convenient,” clarified Liu Liufang from the Party Committee’s Publicity Department at Nanchang Railway. By the end of this year, the company plans to partner with the Publishing House to introduce self-service book kiosks at 17 stations, aiming to enhance the reading experience for travelers.
Moreover, the “Book Aroma Railway: My Favorite Book” recommendation event took place in Nanchang on the 23rd, showcasing recommended books from previous events and presenting Works from Jiangxi. A “Book Aroma Railway Achievements Exhibition” was set up at Nanchang and Nanchang West stations, highlighting the activities undertaken by various railway departments, while also inviting devoted readers to share their stories and recommend outstanding books, cultivating a broader appreciation for reading.
In recent years, the culture of reading has grown increasingly popular, fostering a community that values books and encourages quality reading. Responding to the initiative of the China National Railway Group to promote “Book Aroma Railway,” Nanchang Railway has commenced book-themed trains, established book stations, and organized reading activities to actively engage with the public reading framework in Jiangxi and Fujian, continuously enhancing the “Book Aroma Nanchang Railway” concept and offering a “Railway + Reading” experience that fills train carriages with literary enchantment, allowing passengers to enjoy a “Joyful Reading Journey.”
