This book is the result of a decade of rigorous study on the interplay between the Chinese railway system and national social progress. It examines the reform, opening up, innovation, and development of Chinese railways over the past 40 years.

This book traces the evolution of the role played by the Chinese railway sector initially as a "bottleneck" in the national economy to the present vital "engine" of growth, highlighting its journey of restructure and transformation. The target audience includes general readers interested in China's modern history as well as the development of the Chinese railway industry, and experts and researchers in related fields.

The introduction defines "railway history" and explores the key factors driving the development of China's railway system post-reform. The first four chapters respectively unveil the four significant phases of railway reform and opening-up: the initial reform attempts (1978-1985), proactive changes (1986-1991), the transition to a market economy (1992-2003), and comprehensive promotion (2004-2018). Chapters 5 and 6 focus on the rise of high-speed railway in China and its global expansion. The conclusion articulates the essence of railway modernization and its relationship to broader reform initiatives.

Autorentext

Xueyong, Zhang, Ph.D., is Professor and Researcher on the theory and practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics. He has presided over nearly 10 projects at national, provincial and ministerial level, published more than 20 papers in CSSSCI and core journals, and more than 10 monographs.

Senlin Yu, Ph.D., translator of the English version of this book, is Professor of Translation Studies and Dean of the School of Foreign Languages at Southwest Jiaotong University, as well as Secretary-General of the Transportation Translation Committee of the Translators Association of China. He has directed 6 research projects at the national, ministerial, and provincial levels, published more than 30 research articles, and authored 4 academic monographs on translation studies.

Ruoyu Dai, the translator of the English version of the book, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Director of MTI Education and Translation Center, School of Foreign Languages, Southwest Jiaotong University. Dr. Dai specializes in translation studies and practice, particularly in the context of railway engineering. With over 28 years of professional experience, he has contributed extensively to the translation of Chinese national railway technical standards into English.

Jiawen Huang, translator of the English version of this book, MTI from Southwest Jiaotong University, focuses on translation practice in fields such as railway engineering, and has participated in 3 provicinal-levle research projects.