The "Slow Trains": Daily Mobility Practices of Local Farmers in Guizhou and Hunan Province, China

China’s railway system, expanding and modernizing since the 1978 economic reforms, still operates traditional “Slow Trains,” especially in rural and remote areas. These trains, originating from the Mao era (1949-1976), are slow and make frequent stops, offering affordable transportation for low-income populations. They connect remote regions to urban centers, providing access to education, healthcare, and employment, and supporting local economies through the transportation of agricultural products. This study, framed within the new mobilities paradigm and engaging with Vannini’s perspective of slowness, examines the complex dynamics of mobility, immobility, and mooring among local farmers dependent on the “Slow Trains” network. Using a mobile ethnography approach, the research explores physical spaces such as railway stations, platforms, and train interiors to reveal the lived experiences, rhythms, and agency of these farmers. A reflexive researcher’s perspective is incorporated to understand the diversity and necessity of “Slow” mobility in the context of China’s rapid development. The findings highlight the critical role of “Slow Trains” in promoting mobility justice and social sustainability by providing accessible transportation and fostering community ties. However, the study also identifies the challenges posed by high-speed rail expansion, which risks marginalizing these “Slow Trains” and the communities they serve. The research concludes that balancing “Slow” transportation with modernization is vital for ensuring equitable and sustainable development in transportation policies.