Stationmaster's last rush: A career spanning China's railway growth and innovation

A Lifetime on the Rails

During Chunyun, railway staff endure long hours and intense passenger surges. Despite the challenges, Wang and her colleagues remain committed to providing top-notch service. "Our ultimate goal is to ensure every passenger has a safe and pleasant journey home. When we receive praise from passengers, all our hard work feels worthwhile," she said.

As this year's Chunyun concluded, Wang felt a mixture of pride and nostalgia. She was proud to have served billions of passengers over the years but sentimental as she bid farewell to the fast-paced world of railway operations. Looking ahead, she plans to spend more time with her family, particularly her aging parents, and pursue new hobbies such as yoga.

Reflecting on her career, Wang believes that the key to balancing work and family is to be fully present in each role. "At work, I focus on passengers. At home, I try to leave work-related stress behind," she said. Though the job was not what she initially envisioned, she grew to love it. "I'm glad I could help make passengers' journeys a little easier."

Wang also takes pride in having witnessed the extraordinary expansion of China's railway system. Before 2008, China had no high-speed rail. By the end of 2024, the country's railway network had reached 162,000 kilometers, including nearly 48,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, making it the world's largest high-speed railway network. In 2024 alone, China's railways transported 4.08 billion passenger trips, setting a new historical record.

"I'm a fortunate person. I've worked and lived in an era of rapid railway development, and I feel that I've made a small contribution to this progress," she said.