The 17th Modern Railways Exhibition opened Tuesday in Beijing, showcasing cutting-edge developments in China's railway technology.
Among the major attractions is the CR450 electric multiple unit (EMU), a prototype hailed as the world's fastest high-speed train. Capable of reaching test speeds of 450 kilometers per hour and operating at 400 km/h, the CR450 represents the next leap in China's already world-leading high-speed rail sector.
At the exhibition, the most popular activity proved to be the 350 km/h Fuxing EMU driving simulator. Long queues formed as visitors waited for a chance to virtually operate a high-speed train.
"Very fast. Now in Poland the fastest train is 250 (km/h), so less than in China, especially this new one, Chinese project 400. It sounds incredible. So China [is] the pioneer of the world's high speed (train), so that's why we are here," said a Polish visitor.
Next to the CR450 model on display, interactive screens showed real-time systems from each carriage, activated by moving a nearby control panel. A staff member explained that following its debut last year, the CR450 prototype has undergone months of rigorous testing at 450 km/h to ensure safe and reliable operation at 400 km/h in the near future.
"The CR450 is not just about higher speed. We've also improved onboard comfort and adopted a new bogie encapsulation design that reduces drag by over 20 percent and lowers aerodynamic noise, making the ride much quieter and more pleasant for passengers," said Wang Lei, senior chief designer at CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co.
Beijing exhibition showcases China's cutting-edge advancements in railway technology
