06/09/2026
In 1992, Han Junjia began his career as a train driver in China, operating steam locomotives that could barely reach 40 mph. More than two decades later, he was driving bullet trains traveling at an astonishing 217 mph. 🚆
His career became a firsthand journey through China’s extraordinary railway transformation.
When Han started, working conditions were extremely difficult. Steam locomotives had little safety equipment, and drivers had to manually control almost everything. During summer, the engine room became unbearably hot, while winter frost could cover the windows, forcing drivers to lean outside just to see the tracks. 🥵
As China’s railway technology advanced, Han moved from steam locomotives to diesel trains in 1996, then to electric trains in 2010. By 2017, he was operating the Fuxing bullet train, one of the world’s fastest trains.
Han eventually earned eight different operating licenses, each representing a new generation of railway technology. ⚡
The demanding career came with sacrifices. He missed important moments in his daughter’s childhood, including her first words and early school days. Yet faster trains eventually allowed him to spend more time with his family. ❤️
Today, China has the world’s largest high-speed rail network, spanning more than 40,000 kilometers. Han didn’t just witness that transformation—he helped drive it. 🌍