(Yicai Global) Feb. 17 -- China's state-owned railway giant has arranged the first special train to accommodate returning workers to eastern China after the Spring Festival holiday was prolonged due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Nearly 300 passengers got onto the train in southwestern Guizhou to embark on the more than 1,600-kilometer journey to Hangzhou. Many transport routes have been blocked since late January amid efforts to fight the virus.

Passengers and railway staff took a group photo.

Those who return to Hangzhou need to do a health registration via a mobile application.

Passengers were given face masks before leaving the station.

Station staff checked that those who arrived had completed their health registrations.

A checkpoint was set up to monitor passengers' temperatures.

Company representatives were waiting by the exits to welcome returning staff. 

Staff held up a banner that read 'Hangzhou welcomes you'. 

Editor: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine