To celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand—the "Golden 50 Years of China–Thailand Friendship"—CRRC Qishuyan hosted the "China-Thailand Train Fans Cultural Exchange Activities and 'CRRC Science-Connect Talk'" on April 13. More than 30 rail enthusiasts from both countries came together to explore the world of train culture and CRRC's green power innovations.
A Cross-Border Dialogue on Train Culture
The event welcomed Thai rail fan representatives Napat, Tphong, and Pure, as well as prominent Chinese railway culture expert Luo Chunxiao and Luo Yitong, co-founder of the "Rail Vision" cultural brand.
Divided into a classroom session and field study, the event began with Luo Chunxiao's talk titled Railway Perspectives. "Trains offer more than transportation—they allow us to appreciate the scenery, experience cultural richness, and witness the power of technology," Luo said. He shared insights and photos from his railway research across more than 50 countries and regions.
One Chinese participant reflected, "Professor Luo's talk opened my eyes to the cultural depth of trains. I used to simply like them, but now I see the rich history and meaning behind them."
Thai organizer Napat introduced the history of railways in Siam (Thailand's historic name), sharing how he planned to translate what he learned at CRRC into language that other Thai train lovers could understand. "Train culture shouldn't just be about transportation—it should be part of everyday life and identity," he said. His sharing sparked new curiosity among Chinese participants about Thai railways, with one remarking, "I definitely want to visit Thailand and experience their trains in person."
Li Mengfei, a member of CRRC's new energy locomotive design team, gave a technical introduction to CRRC's latest innovations, explaining key advances in intelligent and green technologies in simple terms. The rail fans responded with enthusiasm. "China's achievements in new energy locomotives are truly inspiring. After hearing from the designer, I'm even more confident in the future of Chinese railways," one senior fan said.
Deepening Public Engagement Through Science Communication
This event is part of CRRC Qishuyan's strategy to expand international communication, which aims to popularize advanced technologies in high-end equipment, promote low-carbon lifestyles, and encourage the protection of railway heritage. CRRC Qishuyan has formed a dedicated science communication team and is expanding collaboration with wider society to promote railway culture.
The company also appointed Luo Chunxiao and Napat as official "Science-Connect Partners," presenting them with certificates on-site. They will now work with CRRC's science team to deepen public understanding of locomotives and railway heritage. In a symbolic exchange, Thai and Chinese participants gave each other friendship-themed gifts. The event also featured multiple prize draws, with fans receiving N5C locomotive models and railway-themed merchandise. Several Chinese and Thai fans took to the stage to share their personal railway stories.
Exploring History and Innovation On-Site
As part of the field study, participants visited key cultural and industrial sites including the company's centennial sculpture, a Republican-era building known as the "Old Three-Story," the Grand Canal Industrial Heritage Museum, the Changzhou Rail Transit Industry Exhibition Hall, the Zhang Zhong National Skills Master Studio, and the locomotive final assembly line. These visits offered firsthand insights into CRRC's lean production processes and modern factory operations.
Fans also boarded the N5C Fuxing locomotive and the standard new energy locomotive series, entering the driver's cab for an unforgettable "driving" experience. One fan said excitedly, "The moment I stepped into the cab, I felt like a real train driver—it was absolutely unforgettable!"
This cultural and educational exchange is part of CRRC Qishuyan's strategy to expand international communication. More than a celebration of train culture, it serves as a vivid expression of China–Thailand friendship.
Looking ahead, the company plans to launch a themed art contest for Thai rail fans, inviting them to exhibit their work at the Asia-Pacific (Thailand) Rail Transit Expo. CRRC will continue organizing fan exchanges and public engagement activities, building stronger bridges between industry and the public while expanding its international network of railway culture advocates.
