A journey through the tracks of time

Many relics of the iconic railway are on display at the museum, such as tools used for surveying and pictures of the construction. Among them, the white Michelin railcar that was put to use in 1914 offering luxury services to distinguished guests is definitely one of the main attractions.

Back then, many goods including machinery parts could be shipped to Kunming because of the railway. With the imported engines, Shilongba Hydropower Station — the first hydropower station in China — started to provide electricity to Kunming in 1912. Also, a water pump station, built in the city with parts and materials shipped via the railway, started to supply water in May 1918, making Kunming locals the first in China to enjoy running water.

More than 114 years on, goods are still shipped between Yunnan to Vietnam via the same railway. According to the China Railway Kunming Bureau, more than 168,500 metric tons of goods, including iron ore and sulfur, have been transported via the narrow-gauge railway during the first four months this year, an increase of over 1.5 times year-on-year.

The Chinese section of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway has seen many ups and downs, standing the test of time through war and turmoil. Although the construction of the railway initially fueled France's ambitions for colonial expansion, it is also an engineering marvel, casting its profound impact on the locals and the land up till today. As for visitors, discovering the stories behind the railway is just as fascinating as following its tracks running through the beautiful terrain in Yunnan.

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