As winter approaches, seasonal migration to warmer regions is gaining momentum. Data shows that since October this year, flight bookings to winter retreats like Hainan, Yunnan, and Guangxi have doubled year-on-year. From travel convenience to living amenities and emotional fulfillment, multiple destinations are rolling out elderly-friendly services, transforming "migratory elderly care" from feasible to premium, injecting strong momentum into the silver economy.
With Northeast China turning colder, many seniors are heading south for winter. The Z384 train from Changchun to Haikou has become a popular choice, with passengers aged 60+ accounting for nearly half its ridership post-winter. During the 48-hour journey crossing 11 provinces and 22 stations, passengers enjoy ever-changing scenery outside their windows. The train has undergone elderly-friendly upgrades, equipping each carriage with medical kits containing essentials like cold medicine, antihypertensives, motion sickness patches, and blood pressure monitors to ensure seniors' comfort and safety.
From snowy landscapes to tropical shores, the southbound Z384 offers not just convenience and views but also carries luggage stuffed with seasonal clothes and nostalgic "Northeast care packages," creating a warm onboard atmosphere. Such thoughtful services make seasonal migration more reassuring for elderly travelers.
Beyond Hainan, Kunming and Beihai are also top winter destinations for seniors. Local governments are enhancing services to turn temporary stays into enjoyable long-term residencies, making "migratory economy" urban development’s warmest growth point. In Kunming, age-friendly upgrades at Wuliduo Agricultural Market—like oversized reflective safety signs, rest seats, and assistive handrails—demonstrate practical care. Soft services like preserved tailoring stalls and on-site hospital registration further attract elderly visitors.
In Beihai, health services address cross-regional medical challenges through electronic health records and "green channels." The city also taps into seasonal residents’ talents via a "migratory talent pool," organizing 200+ cultural events annually for engagement and enjoyment.
Public cultural services help seniors embrace warm winters away from home. From Changchun to Xinjiang, elderly migrants flock to Guangdong, Hainan, and Yunnan not just for climate but for community. Cultural hubs and libraries weave a web of belonging, helping them find "home" in new cities.
In Zhuhai’s Jinwan District, 68-year-old Chen Xiaobo, a fifth-year winter migrant from Changchun, eagerly plans cultural center activities upon arrival. "Zhuhai’s cleanliness, warmth, and vibrant social life with northern friends make me feel at home," she shares. The center tailors winter programs to seniors’ interests, fostering quick connections.
Meanwhile, the Jinwan Library serves as a cozy haven. Seventy-two-year-old Liu Xia, a Xinjiang native turned "hometown ambassador volunteer," assists fellow northerners daily. "Having migrant elders join our volunteer team enhances familiarity and belonging for northern readers," explains Library Director Hong Yilin.