ChinaTalk Trains!
Nov 8, 2020
David Feng, an expert on Chinese trains and subways, shares fascinating insights into the evolution of China's railway system from the Qing Dynasty to modern times. He discusses the significant impact of the 2011 Wenzhou train crash on rail reform and public trust. Feng highlights the explosive growth of Beijing's subway network as a solution for urban congestion and explores China's ambitious international rail initiatives. The conversation delves into innovative personal rail systems that could reshape urban transport and connectivity.
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Childhood Fascination
- David Feng's train fascination began with Beijing buses, then subways.
- A trip to Switzerland at age seven solidified his love for trains and scenic journeys.
Qing Dynasty Rail
- Early Chinese railways, like those in Beijing and Eastern China, were primarily built by foreign powers.
- China's first domestically-built railway, the Imperial Peking-Kalgan Railway, emerged around 1905.
High-Speed Rail Tech
- China's high-speed rail rollout began with imported train sets, including Swedish, Japanese, German, and Italian models.
- This approach facilitated technology transfer, enabling China to develop its own high-speed trains under the CRH brand.