Villagers taking the train watch a nostalgic movie in the first carriage. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

On the morning of Sept 5, the No 4245 train slowly departed Tonghua Railway Station, carrying more than 200 passengers toward Changbai Mountain. Known as the region's only slow train linking small villages along the way, it has been running steadily for half a century.

In the first carriage of the train, a weekend cinema brought silver screen moments to life. Walls were lined with stills from classic films, and a small projector cast familiar scenes onto a screen. Villagers pointed with pride, "That story was filmed in our village", and passengers leaned closer, captivated not just by the movie, but by the connections it sparked.

The train's walls are decorated with posters for classic films. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The second carriage transformed into a lively market. Honey, pine nuts, corn, and steaming tea eggs filled the air with the fragrances of home. Smiles were as warm as the food, and the gentle rhythm of mobile payments pinging on phones echoed with joy.

The atmosphere turned solemn when entering the third carriage. Portraits of General Yang Jingyu and exhibits of the Northeast United Resistance Army told stories of bravery from the mountains outside the window.

As the train stopped at villages, baskets emptied, laughter lingered, and passengers carried with them not only goods but a renewed sense of belonging.