Society

Rail fans flock to feel the rush

By Guo Rui (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-28 07:17

WUHAN: Doing something novel and exciting on Dec 26, or Boxing Day, has become the norm for Johnny Erling. This year it was taking a spin on the world's fastest train.

Erling, who lives in Beijing, said he flew to Wuhan in Hubei province on Christmas Day especially to ride on the 350 km/h G1002 to Guangzhou, which officially hit the tracks on Saturday.

"China always likes big things," said the correspondent for German daily newspaper Die Welt.

"What China wanted to do in 1998, a high-speed rail project, has become today's reality."

Erling said he expects the link to make most impact on the economy.

Indeed, the Wuhan to Guangzhou line has resulted in 15 new stations and huge investment in locations far away from urban centers.

When the train arrived in Hengyang Dong station on Saturday, hundreds of people stood nearby to see the transportation that could improve their remote life.

There was also excitement among the passengers aboard the train.

For Yang Peichuan, 81, who was born in Luoyang in Henan province and began working in Wuhan after 1949, the journey to Guangzhou reawakened memories of being a soldier on his way to liberate the Guangdong capital.

"I attach special sentiment to Guangzhou, that's why I took this train," said an emotional Yang, who had not been to Guangzhou for 60 years.

Wang Binsan celebrated her 80th birthday on the train on Saturday.

"I'm very proud our country has the world's fastest train.

"We're No 1."