The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics may have drawn to a spectacular close more than a year ago, but the echoes of its triumphant legacy continue to resonate across China and around the globe. One cornerstone of this influential heritage was an awe-inspiring promotional video that aired before the opening ceremony. This video showcased a Winter Olympics special train, a high-tech marvel developed by CRRC Changchun that rode resolutely through icy terrains, symbolizing the undying spirit of the Olympics and the prowess of China’s top-tier manufacturing capabilities.
For those privileged enough to experience the event, the innovation of this high-speed train offered a tangible representation of the Winter Olympics’ essence. Devised by the CRRC, the new Fuxing bullet train was not only a spectacle to behold but also a technological tour de force that featured intelligent and autonomous driving capabilities and a 5G live broadcast studio.
At the heart of this pioneering venture was Liu Junyang, the chief designer of the Intelligent Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) used during the Winter Olympics. Liu recently granted an exclusive interview to the Global Times at the CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Company, offering a unique insight into the ingenious manufacturing process behind this groundbreaking feat.
As Liu guided the reporter through the train’s interiors, the air was thick with innovation. The carriage was an embodiment of state-of-the-art service technology with a human-centric approach. A seemingly ordinary dining table could expand into a comprehensive media workstation, while intelligent displays catered to a diverse array of passenger needs. The carriage interior, adorned with snowflake patterns and a changing starry sky ceiling, reflected the distinctive Winter Olympics aura.
The train’s design also took into consideration the varied needs of different passengers. The bar counter, for example, was set at a height suitable for wheelchair users and equipped with amenities to cater to international passengers.
The Intelligent EMU’s standout feature was its pioneering live broadcast studio, capable of transmitting ultra-high-definition content via a 5G connection. It was one of the first global instances of such a feature installed in a high-speed train and catered especially to media professionals covering the Games.
The July 2021 launch of the Fuxing Intelligent EMU for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou represented another milestone in China’s journey towards cutting-edge rail technology. Embodying an ethos of customization, environmental friendliness, intelligence, and comfort, the EMU unveiled a new chapter in China’s high-speed rail saga.
But the ambitious plans do not end at the Chinese border. Liu and his team at CRRC Changchun are actively exploring opportunities in foreign markets, exporting to over 20 countries and regions. Some of their significant overseas ventures include the Sydney railcar in Australia and the subway project for Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. These projects have shown the world that Chinese railway technology is not only high-quality and reliable but also adaptable and versatile, able to cater to a diverse range of lifestyles and preferences.
Looking towards the future, CRRC Changchun and Liu’s team are steadfast in their quest for excellence, using their railway innovations to foster economic development, regional integration, cultural exchange, and international friendships. Their pioneering work in the railway sector showcases China’s technological prowess, reshaping global perceptions and reaffirming its deserved position as a leader in high-speed rail technology. With the Asian Games special train soon to enter operation, there’s no doubt that this ambitious team is steadfastly steering China towards a brighter future in global rail innovation.
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