Love for trains is a family affair in Gansu

LANZHOU - Zhang Chao, from northwestern China's Gansu province, operates a locomotive just as his father and grandfather did before him.

"I'm lucky to be an engineer during a time when China's railway system is developing so fast," the 30-year-old said. "While my grandfather had to take care of a lot of things, the only thing I need to do is run the train and send the passengers home safe and sound."

Zhang Ganchen, his 79-year-old grandfather, was among the first generation of engineers in China. Half a century ago, he drove a steam train that mainly carried oil and steel for national economic construction and development.