Sister Wu's Unique Vegetable Sales Journey on a 'Slow Train' in Guizhou, China
In the picturesque Miaoling Mountains of Guizhou Province, Sister Wu, also known as Wu Shoufen, brings a unique twist to selling vegetables. As dawn breaks, she navigates the lively sounds of clucking chickens and barking dogs. With the Spring Festival approaching, Wu prepares for a busy day of selling her produce, which includes fresh vegetables and free-range chickens, all sourced from her village in Wengdang.
The day kicks off with questions about transporting chickens on the train, which Wu readily addresses – 'Of course, there's even a special carriage for them!' With a swift motion, she captures a chicken while juggling the tasks of packing her goods.
Wu, embodying the spirit of local agriculture, shoulders a heavy load of over 100 jin (50 kilograms) of produce to catch her train to the nearby town of Kaili. This journey, aboard Train No. 5639/5640, is indicative of the ‘slow train’ service between Guiyang and Yuping, known for stopping at all 16 stations along its route, making it a lifeline for locals.
“Before this train service existed, we struggled,” Wu recalls. “We would carry the vegetables for hours on the mountain roads, only to find they had wilted by the time we reached the market.” Her mention of the past highlights the transformative impact of the railway service for local farmers.
As the train arrives, Wu is assisted by train conductor Hu Guichuan and his team, who lend a hand in loading the villagers' goods into a designated ‘rural market’ carriage. This carriage, retrofitted by the railway authorities, has made it easier for farmers to sell their products, featuring long benches in place of traditional seats, promoting accessibility for both produce and potential buyers.
The train serves not only as a mode of transport but as a mobile marketplace. As the journey progresses, passengers are encouraged to browse the various fresh products. With humor and charm, Hu engages the audience, highlighting the merits of the villagers' offerings with promotions and suggestions, asserting, “You should try this chicken! Raised on a farm by our very own villagers!”
Wu’s reputation as a purveyor of fresh vegetables is aided by her consistent quality and care in cultivation, drawing in returning customers. An enthusiastic buyer praises her produce, noting the distinct freshness attributed to Wu's use of farmyard manure, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between local farming and community health.
As bags of vegetables and chickens quickly sell out, Wu’s earnings reach over 200 yuan, a significant sum for a day’s work. High on success and the joy of community interaction, she finds time to browse the market herself, purchasing festive items in preparation for the upcoming New Year celebrations. Her newfound mobility brings her joy not only in commerce but in reconnecting with her community and family.
As afternoon wanes, the villagers gather to return home, now boasting their market delights instead of empty baskets. Wu joyfully shares her experiences, recounting how, after years of working away in Guangdong, the convenience of the slow train has revolutionized her ability to stay close to her family.
The sound of the train whistle symbolizes not just transport but the movement towards a brighter future for local villagers like Wu. With each journey, they cherish the bond between their heritage and the modern solutions that support their lifestyles. As Wu reflects, the balance of tradition and progress is what makes their existence special in today's fast-paced world.
The slow train winds its way through the scenic mountains, carrying not just goods, but hope and resilience for the community, illustrating a rich narrative of rural life in Guizhou, where commerce meets culture through the simple yet profound act of trade.
The day kicks off with questions about transporting chickens on the train, which Wu readily addresses – 'Of course, there's even a special carriage for them!' With a swift motion, she captures a chicken while juggling the tasks of packing her goods.
Wu, embodying the spirit of local agriculture, shoulders a heavy load of over 100 jin (50 kilograms) of produce to catch her train to the nearby town of Kaili. This journey, aboard Train No. 5639/5640, is indicative of the ‘slow train’ service between Guiyang and Yuping, known for stopping at all 16 stations along its route, making it a lifeline for locals.
“Before this train service existed, we struggled,” Wu recalls. “We would carry the vegetables for hours on the mountain roads, only to find they had wilted by the time we reached the market.” Her mention of the past highlights the transformative impact of the railway service for local farmers.
As the train arrives, Wu is assisted by train conductor Hu Guichuan and his team, who lend a hand in loading the villagers' goods into a designated ‘rural market’ carriage. This carriage, retrofitted by the railway authorities, has made it easier for farmers to sell their products, featuring long benches in place of traditional seats, promoting accessibility for both produce and potential buyers.
The train serves not only as a mode of transport but as a mobile marketplace. As the journey progresses, passengers are encouraged to browse the various fresh products. With humor and charm, Hu engages the audience, highlighting the merits of the villagers' offerings with promotions and suggestions, asserting, “You should try this chicken! Raised on a farm by our very own villagers!”
Wu’s reputation as a purveyor of fresh vegetables is aided by her consistent quality and care in cultivation, drawing in returning customers. An enthusiastic buyer praises her produce, noting the distinct freshness attributed to Wu's use of farmyard manure, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between local farming and community health.
As bags of vegetables and chickens quickly sell out, Wu’s earnings reach over 200 yuan, a significant sum for a day’s work. High on success and the joy of community interaction, she finds time to browse the market herself, purchasing festive items in preparation for the upcoming New Year celebrations. Her newfound mobility brings her joy not only in commerce but in reconnecting with her community and family.
As afternoon wanes, the villagers gather to return home, now boasting their market delights instead of empty baskets. Wu joyfully shares her experiences, recounting how, after years of working away in Guangdong, the convenience of the slow train has revolutionized her ability to stay close to her family.
The sound of the train whistle symbolizes not just transport but the movement towards a brighter future for local villagers like Wu. With each journey, they cherish the bond between their heritage and the modern solutions that support their lifestyles. As Wu reflects, the balance of tradition and progress is what makes their existence special in today's fast-paced world.
The slow train winds its way through the scenic mountains, carrying not just goods, but hope and resilience for the community, illustrating a rich narrative of rural life in Guizhou, where commerce meets culture through the simple yet profound act of trade.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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