Jiayang small train: a living fossil of the industrial revolution passing through the flower sea

The birth of railways - the industrial bloodline in the mountains
The birth of the Jiayang small train originated from the precious black gold deep in the mountains. In 1938, the earliest Sino British joint venture coal mine in Sichuan Province, Jiayang Coal Mine, was established in Bajiaogou, Jianwei County. In order to solve the problem of coal transportation, a narrow gauge railway with a length of about 20 kilometers, the Bashi Railway, began construction in 1958 and was opened to traffic the following year. In the era when highways were impassable, this steam locomotive was the only transportation artery connecting mines with the outside world, and the roaring whistle echoed for more than half a century.

The Road to Rebirth - From Near Demolition to National Treasure
The modern story of the small train is a touching chapter about cherishing, protecting, and inheriting.
Operational difficulties (before 2003): With the development of road transportation, the operation of small trains suffered losses, and coal mining groups even made the decision to demolish railways.
Social Call (2003-2004): The news of demolition has aroused strong attention and appeals from all sectors of society, and people have realized that it is not only a means of transportation, but also a precious industrial civilization heritage.
Protection and Transformation (Since 2004): With the efforts of the government and society, the small train has been preserved. In 2006, it was listed as a municipal level cultural relic protection unit and industrial heritage, and subsequently upgraded to a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. Through the development of tourism, the former coal transportation route has transformed into a national AAAA level tourist attraction, a national mining park, and has been included in the first batch of China's industrial heritage protection list.
Stunning debut (21st century present): With the advent of the high-speed rail era, this steam train, which is "not much faster than a bicycle," attracts countless tourists every year with its unique retro charm, becoming a shining cultural and tourism business card for Leshan and even Sichuan.

 Natural Creation - A Landscape Gallery of Four Seasons Circulation
The charm of the Jiayang small train route lies in its perfect integration of industrial creations into the picturesque mountains and waters of southern Sichuan, with different themes changing with the seasons.
Spring Flower Sea: Steam Sonating in Golden Waves
February to April every year is the most famous season in Jiayang. In the terraced fields along the railway, thousands of acres of rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, forming a magnificent golden ocean. The small train was emitting white smoke, sounding its whistle, and slowly passing through the dazzling golden color, like a flowing oil painting. Duanjiawan and Caiziba are classic parking spots for viewing and shooting this scene. The train draws a beautiful arc here, which is called the railway version of "drift" by tourists.
Bright Water Rainbow: The Magic of Light, Shadow, and Steam
This is the most dramatic natural wonder on the Bashi Railway. At the Liangshuituo scenic spot, when the train reaches a Gaobaokan, the driver will specially perform a steam jet show. On a clear afternoon, the sunlight penetrates through the thick steam, instantly reflecting a clear rainbow, even a double rainbow, as if a train has erected a dreamy triumphal arch for itself. This is a wonderful collaboration between natural optics and human industry.
The Charm of Summer and Autumn: The Relay between Green Fields and Sunflowers
After the arrival of spring, the railway lines in summer are covered in lush greenery, and small trains pass through the green fairy paths, creating a fresh and vibrant atmosphere. In July and August, tens of thousands of sunflowers will be planted on some roads, forming another brilliant yellow flower sea, continuing the enthusiasm of summer.

Humanistic Craftsmanship - Industrial Memories Across Time and Space
Every station and facility here is not just a scenic spot, but a living history that is still breathing.
Bajiaogou: an industrial town frozen by time
The Bajiaogou, where the train terminal is located, is a complete 20th century industrial and living community. Here, a large number of Soviet style red brick buildings, old-fashioned auditoriums, and slogan walls are preserved, as if a time machine instantly takes people back to the 1960s. Strolling through Dongfanghong Square and having a simple meal at the miners' canteen, one can most vividly touch the fiery years of entrepreneurship.
Huangcunjing: Exploration into the Underground for a Hundred Meters
This is not only a scenic spot, but also the only real coal mine in China specifically designed for tourism experience. Tourists can wear miner's hats, ride in primitive "monkey carts" and slide into a hundred meter deep tunnel to experience coal mining firsthand. In the darkness, they can learn about the mysteries of coal formation and the hardships of miners' work, completing a stunning "exploration of the earth's core".
Honeybee Rock "human" shaped U-turn: engineering wisdom in textbooks
Due to the sharp bends and steep slopes along the way, the railway drew inspiration from Zhan Tianyou's famous design on the Beijing Zhangjiakou Railway. At the Bee Rock Station, trains use a "human" shaped track to make turns and directions, as if completing an elegant "turn back run". This is a vivid classroom for observing the wisdom of century old railway engineering on site.

Photography tips:
The best panoramic camera position for the flower sea is at the C-bend of Duanjiawan and Caiziba. You need to wait at the viewing platform in advance and use a telephoto lens to capture the moment when the train and the flower sea are framed together.
When shooting the Bright Water Tuo Steam Rainbow, it is necessary to choose a sunny afternoon with the best sunlight angle and occupy the sunny position in advance.
The Bee Rock Station is suitable for capturing the entire process of a train's "human" shaped U-turn, showcasing the beauty of mechanical structure and operation.
The interior of the carriage is suitable for filming cultural documentaries, capturing the excited expressions of fellow tourists or the simple living conditions of local residents.

 Five Must Do Things to Unlock a Complete Small Train Journey
Take an epic photo of crossing the flower sea
Time: From 9am to 4pm on a sunny spring day, with ample light and noticeable steam effects. Location: Caiziba C-bend or Duanjiawan Observation Deck. Key: Check the sightseeing train schedule in advance and arrive at least half an hour in advance to grab a seat.
A limited agreement to attend a steam rainbow
Key: This is a visual benefit limited to sunny days! At the Liangshuituo scenic spot, be sure to get off the car and wait for the performance. The moment when the steam whistle rings, white steam gushes out, and the sunlight outlines a rainbow is the highlight moment that all photographers wait for.
The next real mine exploration
At the terminal station of Bajiaogou, walk to Dangdang Station and transfer to the Dangdang train to Huangcunjing. Wearing a miner's hat, under the guidance of a tour guide, delving deep into the underground, feeling the dampness and silence of the mine, and touching the mineral veins with one's own hands, this is an incredibly authentic history education lesson.
A mining town where you stay overnight
Choose an inn renovated from an old building to stay in the small town of Bajiaogou. When the tourists disperse, the town returns to tranquility, strolling among the Su style buildings under the sunset, and listening to local people chatting in the square at night, one can truly appreciate the stories that have been settled here for more than half a century.
Taste the authentic flavor of miners
At the Dongfanghong canteen or miners canteen in Bajiaogou, taste local specialties: refreshing and delicious fried banana flowers, nostalgic shoveled vegetables (a home cooked dish served with an iron shovel), or crispy health cakes. This is a way of connecting the taste buds to the past.

 Tourist Route Suggestions
One day "Deep Experience" Tour (Classic Selection):
Arrive at Yuejin Station before 9am and take the sightseeing train to depart. Get off at Caiziba along the way to enjoy the scenery and take photos (about 20 minutes). Continue on to Liangshuituo and get off to watch the steam rainbow performance (about 30 minutes). Arrive at the final station Bajiaogou at noon and have a meal at Dongfanghong Cafeteria. Visit the Jiayang National Mining Museum in the afternoon and then experience the Huangcunjing mine exploration (about 1.5 hours). In the afternoon, take the return sightseeing train or ordinary passenger train back to Yuejin Station.
IntoTravelChina reminder: During peak season, tickets for tourist trains are tight, so it is important to book through official channels in advance. Ordinary bus prices are low, but they do not stop at tourist attractions and can be selected according to demand.
Two day 'Nostalgic Roaming' Joint Tour (Highly Recommended):
Day 1: Depart from Leshan or Chengdu in the morning and arrive at Yuejin Station before noon. Take the afternoon sightseeing train, leisurely enjoy the scenery, and arrive at Bajiaogou for check-in in the evening. Strolling through the ancient town at night, experiencing the tranquil industrial heritage atmosphere.
Day 2: In the morning, explore the town of Bajiaogou in depth, visit the museum, and experience the Huangcunjing mine. In the afternoon, you can choose to take the Dangdang car to Suoluo Lake to admire the living fossils of plants from the dinosaur era - Suoluo trees, and then return to Yuejin Station, or directly go to Jianwei County to visit the Jianwei Confucian Temple, which is known as the "number one in Sichuan".

Advantages of IntoTravelChina: We can book scarce sightseeing train tickets and unique accommodations in Bajiaogou for you, arrange seamless connections between trains, taxis, and buses, and provide detailed scenic area maps and camera location guides.
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 How to reach: Seamless Connection Guide
The Jiayang small train is located in Jianwei County, Leshan City, and there is no direct railway station. It needs to be transferred through Jianwei County.
From Chengdu:
High speed rail+bus: Take the high-speed rail to Jianwei Station. After exiting the station, you can transfer to the "Jianwei Mitsui" bus at the county main road bus station or the exit of Jianwei North Expressway, and arrive at the starting station of the small train - Yuejin Station. The whole process takes about 1.5-2 hours.
Self driving: navigate to "Jiayang National Mining Park" or "Jianwei Jiayang Small Train", take the Chengle Expressway and Leyi Expressway and get off at the Jianwei North Exit. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the scenic area. The parking lot is located near Yuejin Station.
From Leshan: You can take the intercity bus to Jianwei County, then transfer to the above-mentioned bus, or directly drive/take a taxi to get there. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.

Best Travel Time
The Jiayang small train can be visited all year round, but the scenery varies greatly. The best time to visit is during the spring rapeseed flowering period.
Spring Golden Flower Season (late February to early April): Rapeseed flowers bloom with stunning scenery, making it the absolute peak season for tourism with the highest number of visitors. It is essential to purchase tickets in advance.
Summer quiet season (May August): The mountains and fields are lush green, and the climate is cool. Sunflowers can be seen in July and August. Relatively fewer tourists provide a more leisurely experience.
Autumn and Winter Quiet Season (September January of the following year): With few tourists, you can focus on experiencing the mechanical charm of the train itself and the retro atmosphere of Bajiaogou.

Accommodation Options
In the ancient town of Bajiaogou (preferred for immersive experience):
Grand Hall Hotel and other characteristic guesthouses: renovated from old buildings, with a retro style, allowing you to fully experience the tranquility of the town at night and the fireworks in the morning. Suitable for photography enthusiasts and nostalgic travelers who desire a deep experience and capture the light and shadow of dawn and dusk.
Jianwei County (a comfortable and convenient choice):
Various hotels in the county town: more choices, better conditions, and abundant dining options. However, it is important to note the latest departure time of the bus (usually ending in the evening). If you miss it, you will need to take a taxi back.
Near Yuejin Station (Mitsui):
Local guesthouse or homestay: The conditions are relatively simple, but it is convenient to take a bus the next morning. Suitable for tourists with very tight schedules.

IntoTravelChina accommodation booking recommendations:
We strongly recommend planning your spring itinerary at least one month in advance and booking tickets and accommodation, especially since rooms in Bajiaogou town are very limited. By booking through us, not only can you get real-time ticket room status, but we can also match you with the most suitable train number and accommodation location based on your photography needs or nostalgic preferences, and package transportation, tickets, and tour planning to ensure that you don't miss any exciting moments. >>Click to contact IntoTravelChina travel consultant

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