In 1905, in the early stages of China's railway career, Zhan Tianyou, an unknown engineer, took on a seemingly impossible task: to build a railway connecting Beijing and Zhangjiakou. At that time, the project was not only a technical challenge, but also a major test of China's engineering capabilities. The Western world scoffed at this, arguing that China lacked the capacity to build such a complex railway.
However, Zhan Tianyou used his wisdom and persistence to not only complete the project, but also completed it two years ahead of schedule, costing 6.93 million taels**. His success was not only an overcoming of technical challenges, but also a powerful response to the doubts of the imperialists of the time. But today, 114 years later, what is Zhan Tianyou and his great project, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway?How has time carved this historic railway?
In 1905, the Qing Dynasty appointed Zhan Tianyou as the chief engineer of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway. At that time, railway engineering talents were scarce in China, and the technology and experience of building railways lagged far behind those of the West. The great powers competed for the right to build the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway, but in the end the Qing decided to build it themselves, a decision that was seen as an unrealistic venture at the time.
Zhan Tianyou, a returnee student, was selected by the Qing Dynasty to study abroad at the age of 11. He studied civil engineering at Yale University, Xi with a concentration in railway engineering, with honors. In 1904, he was already an engineering consultant to the China Railway Corporation, and was recognized for his technical ability and experience.
Faced with the task of building the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway, Zhan Tianyou's challenges are enormous. Funds were tight, and Qing ** initially only allocated 5 million taels**, and asked him to complete the project within six years. Zhan Tianyou accepted this difficult task and immediately began the survey and design work.
The construction process of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway was fraught with difficulties. For example, how to solve the problem of large train passing slope near Qinglong Bridge, Zhan Tianyou proposed an innovative design of the "human" herringbone line, which effectively solved this technical problem. In addition, he introduced automatic coupler technology from the United States, which greatly improved the safety of trains.
In the end, Zhan Tianyou not only completed the construction of the railway within the specified time, but also saved a lot of money, spending a total of 6.93 million taels**. The successful construction of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway marked an important turning point in the history of China's railways: it was the first railway in China designed and built entirely by Chinese.
Today, 114 years later, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway has undergone earth-shaking changes. It not only witnesses China's journey from closed and backward to open and prosperous, but also carries the memories and emotions of countless people. The Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway remains an important link in China's railway network, carrying important passenger and freight transport tasks.
The Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway is not only a railway, but also a symbol of China's industrial and technological independence. At that time, Zhan Tianyou's success was not only a technological breakthrough, but also a spiritual and cultural victory. The construction of this railway reflects the tenacity and innovative spirit of the Chinese in the face of difficulties and external challenges.
Over time, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway has witnessed many important moments in China's history. It is not only a major artery of transportation, but also a cultural symbol, carrying people's memories of history and technology. Its existence makes people remember their original aspirations and history, and at the same time inspires generations of Chinese to pursue technological innovation and independent development.
Today, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway has become a modern railway line, and together with its "sister" Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway, it has become an important passage connecting Beijing and Zhangjiakou. During the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway played an important role, showing the progress and development of China's railway technology.
The history of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway is not only Zhan Tianyou's personal history, but also a microcosm of the entire Chinese railway history. From technologically backward to the construction of a modern high-speed railway, this railway has witnessed the transformation of China from a backward country to a modern power.
Looking back on the history of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway, we see not only the changes of the railway, but also the spirit of a country and a nation that insists on self-development and continuous pursuit of progress in the face of adversity. The story of Zhan Tianyou is an important chapter in China's modern history, and his wisdom and efforts have laid a solid foundation for the development of China's railway industry.
Today, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway is still in operation, it is not only a transportation line, but also a living fossil of Chinese history, a witness to technological progress and national self-reliance. Let's remember history, move on, and work for a better future. Salute to Zhan Tianyou, and also to all railway workers!