Starting from August 8, passengers on Beijing Subway Line 1 will have the chance to ride a special "Time-travel Train." With deep green faux leather seats arranged horizontally, part of the train's interior design can transport passengers back half a century, allowing them to experience the contrast between old and new subway cars and sense the shift in eras.

The front compartment of the train replicates the DK2 and DK3 subway car models used in Beijing during old times. It's quite distinct from today's automated trains in that all the operations, including starting, accelerating and braking, are controlled manually by the driver, explained a train attendant on Line 1.

The second and fifth compartments recreate the styles of DK11 and DKZ4 subway cars that were in service on Line 1 during the 1980s and 1990s, offering a glimpse into the appearance of Beijing Subway cars during those decades.

The third and fourth compartments in the center of the train incorporate elements from the first two decades of the new century, featuring designs inspired by the 2008 Olympic support line and the intelligent trains of Line 11. These elements embody the recent technological advancements introduced on the Beijing Subway system.

Within the train compartments, passengers can observe the original subway route maps, vintage logos, tickets and other nostalgic items from the early days of the subway. They can also experience the seating styles of the 1970s and the red seats of the 1980s.

According to officials from the Beijing Subway, the introduction of the "Time-travel Train" marks the first attempt to provide passengers with an immersive travel experience. This initiative aims to help passengers understand the progress and transformations taking place in subway technology during their journey, feel the pace of development in the Chinese capital's subway system in the new era, and collectively revisit and witness historical memories of the capital's rail transportation network and urban development.

The Beijing Subway's "Time-travel Train" began trial operations on Line 1 on August 8. During the initial phase, the operating hours of the train will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, covering the route between Gucheng Station and Fuxingmen Station.