Li Zhigang stands at the helm of a sleek high-speed train, the landscape of southwestern China rushing past in a blur. As a third-generation train driver, Li’s hands on the controls represent not just his own journey, but that of his family’s—and indeed, China’s remarkable evolution in rail transportation.
Chengdu and Chongqing, nestled among some of China’s most mountainous terrain, were once distant neighbors. The journey between these two vibrant cities used to take a grueling 13 hours, winding through steep hills and rugged landscapes. For many, the trip was a rare undertaking, reserved for only the most necessary occasions.
All that changed with the inauguration of the Chengdu-Chongqing high-speed railway. The new line has slashed travel time to a mere two hours, dramatically altering the rhythm of life in the region. “It’s astonishing,” says Li. “What was once an all-day affair is now just a short ride. It’s brought the cities closer in every sense.”
Li’s grandfather started his career driving steam locomotives, chugging along tracks that were the lifelines of early 20th-century China. His father witnessed the transition to diesel and electric trains, each advancement bringing incremental improvements. Now, Li operates one of the fastest trains in the world, symbolizing the nation’s leap into modernity.
The impact of the high-speed railway extends far beyond convenience. Businesses in both cities have flourished, with entrepreneurs taking advantage of the ease of travel to expand their markets. Tourists swarm to cultural sites and attractions, boosting the local economy. Families separated by distance now reunite more frequently, strengthening social bonds.
“The railway has transformed not just transportation, but the economy and our way of life,” Li notes. “Opportunities that were once out of reach are now attainable.”
Local resident Wang Mei opened a boutique hotel in Chengdu, catering to weekend travelers from Chongqing. “We’ve seen a surge in guests since the high-speed rail started,” she says. “People come for the food, the culture, and they don’t have to worry about a long journey home.”
The Chengdu-Chongqing high-speed railway is more than steel tracks and roaring engines; it’s a conduit of progress, weaving together the lives and aspirations of millions. For Li Zhigang and his family, it’s a testament to the relentless advancement of China’s rail system—a legacy they are proud to be a part of.
As the train glides into the station, Li reflects on the journey. “We’ve gone from steam to speed,” he smiles. “I wonder what the next generation will witness.”
Reference(s):
Transforming Lives with the Chengdu-Chongqing High-Speed Railway
cgtn.com
