Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of food and beverage consumption in train carriages in China over the past 26 years, highlighting a shift from basic functional needs to experience-oriented consumption, particularly during travel periods like the National Day holiday [8][12]. Group 1: Historical Context - In 1999, the introduction of the "Golden Week" holiday led to a significant increase in domestic travel, with 28 million trips and a total tourism revenue of 14.1 billion yuan [8]. - By 2024, domestic travel reached 765 million trips, with total spending hitting 700.817 billion yuan, indicating a substantial growth in travel culture and consumer spending [8][12]. Group 2: Changes in Food Consumption - The food and beverage consumption on trains has transitioned from simple snacks like peanuts and instant noodles to more diverse and experience-driven options, reflecting changing consumer preferences [9][10]. - Consumers now seek visually appealing, emotionally satisfying products during travel, such as specialty teas and creative snacks, rather than just functional food [10][12]. Group 3: Iconic Products - Instant noodles, particularly the Kang Shifu brand's beef noodles, became iconic in train carriages due to their convenience and affordability, with initial pricing at 1.98 yuan compared to higher-priced train meals [17][18]. - The introduction of various flavors and local specialties in instant noodles has further solidified their popularity among travelers [19]. Group 4: Innovations in Packaging and Offerings - The development of new packaging technologies, such as the "modified atmosphere packaging" by Zhou Hei Ya, has improved the freshness and convenience of ready-to-eat foods like marinated meats, making them popular in train settings [36][37]. - The rise of instant coffee and fruit teas in convenient packaging reflects the growing demand for portable and easy-to-prepare beverages among travelers [41][42]. Group 5: Cultural and Regional Influences - The emergence of culturally themed snacks, such as creative ice creams representing local train stations, showcases a trend towards localized and experiential food offerings in train travel [50][55]. - Regional specialties are increasingly featured in train menus, allowing travelers to experience local flavors, enhancing the overall travel experience [56][64].

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolution of food consumption on trains in China, highlighting the shift from traditional snacks like instant noodles to more diverse and experiential food options that cater to modern consumer preferences [4][6][9]. Group 1: Historical Context - In 1999, the introduction of the "Golden Week" holiday led to a surge in domestic travel, with 28 million trips taken that year, generating 14.1 billion yuan in tourism revenue [5]. - By 2024, domestic travel during the National Day holiday reached 765 million trips, with total spending hitting 700.8 billion yuan [5][6]. - The transition from traditional green trains to high-speed trains has significantly reduced travel times, enhancing the travel experience [6]. Group 2: Changing Consumer Preferences - Consumers are increasingly seeking food and beverages that offer aesthetic appeal and emotional satisfaction during travel, moving beyond mere sustenance [6][9]. - New food items like specialty milk teas and creative snacks are becoming popular, reflecting a shift towards experiential consumption [7][9]. Group 3: Evolution of Train Food - Instant noodles, particularly brands like Kang Shifu, became iconic in train dining due to their convenience and affordability, with Kang Shifu's beef noodles launched in 1992 [12][14]. - The introduction of various snacks, including spicy chicken feet and ready-to-drink congee, has diversified the food options available on trains [18][20]. - The development of packaging technologies, such as modified atmosphere packaging, has improved the freshness and convenience of ready-to-eat foods like marinated meats [27][28]. Group 4: Regional and Cultural Influences - The rise of regional specialty foods on trains reflects a growing consumer desire for local experiences, with products like beef jerky and traditional snacks gaining popularity [42][47]. - The introduction of themed creative ice creams on trains showcases the blending of cultural elements with food offerings, enhancing the travel experience [38][39].

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolution of food and beverage consumption on trains in China, highlighting the shift from basic sustenance to experience-oriented products that enhance travel enjoyment [4][6][20]. Group 1: Historical Context - In 1999, the introduction of the "Golden Week" holiday led to a surge in domestic travel, with 28 million trips taken and a total tourism revenue of 14.1 billion yuan [1]. - By 2024, domestic travel during the National Day holiday reached 765 million trips, generating a total expenditure of 700.8 billion yuan [2]. Group 2: Changing Consumer Preferences - Consumers now prefer visually appealing and emotionally satisfying food and beverage options during travel, moving beyond mere hydration and sustenance [4][6]. - The demand for experience-oriented products is expected to surpass last year's levels during the National Day holiday [6]. Group 3: Food and Beverage Innovations - The introduction of instant noodles, particularly the iconic Kang Shifu beef noodles in 1992, revolutionized train food consumption, meeting the needs of travelers for convenience and affordability [8][11]. - The rise of various snack options, such as spicy chicken feet and eight-treasure porridge, reflects a diversification in train food offerings, catering to modern consumer tastes [12][16]. Group 4: Packaging and Preservation Advances - The introduction of "modified atmosphere packaging" by brands like Zhou Hei Ya has extended the shelf life of ready-to-eat products, making them more suitable for train travel [22][23]. - The growth of portable and fresh options, such as freeze-dried coffee and instant fruit teas, indicates a trend towards convenience and quality in travel snacks [25][26][28]. Group 5: Cultural and Regional Influences - The emergence of cultural-themed ice creams and regional snacks on trains highlights a growing emphasis on local experiences and culinary diversity during travel [34][36]. - Passengers are increasingly exposed to regional specialties, enhancing their travel experience and connecting them to local cultures [38][41].