The story of Chinese train driver Han Junjia is not merely the story of an employee; it is a remarkable story of China’s extraordinary transformation into one of the world’s leading technological powers.
Here are some fascinating and historic milestones from his incredible journey:
- 1992 — The Steam Era: He began his career driving a coal-powered steam locomotive, which could travel at only 56–60 kilometers per hour. Operating these trains was extremely difficult and physically demanding.
- 1996 — The Diesel Era: As railway technology advanced, he began driving diesel locomotives, taking the next step in his long career.
- 2010 — The Electric Era: He later became a driver of electric high-speed trains, witnessing firsthand the rapid modernization of China’s railway system.
- 2017 — The Fuxing Bullet Train: On September 21, 2017, he had the honor of driving China’s domestically developed Fuxing bullet train at a speed of 350 kilometers per hour.
- Eight Driving Licenses: He is among the rare railway drivers in China to hold eight official driving licenses, qualifying him to operate trains from four different generations of railway technology.
- A World-Class Railway Network: China’s railway system has transformed dramatically—from steam locomotives traveling at around 60 km/h to the world’s largest high-speed rail network, extending for more than 45,000 kilometers.
Through one man’s hard work, dedication, and passion, he witnessed an extraordinary transformation unfold before his very eyes. The career of Han Junjia is more than the story of a train driver—it is a living timeline of 30 years of technological revolution in China.
