Looking back at 2024, Qingdao’s rail transit sector has scored fruitful results in innovation-driven development, and seen disruptive and cutting-edge technologies emerge in a continuous stream such as the first subway train made of carbon fiber that has been put into operation in the world, China’s first hydrogen-powered intelligent intercity bullet train, and the prototype of CR450AF, the fastest high-speed train across the globe.

Known as an important industrial cluster at the northern shore of Qingdao, the Qingdao Rail Transit Industry Demonstration Zone has absorbed 90% of citywide manufacturing resources and enjoyed remarkable industrial features, home to three main engine plants, namely, CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd., CRRC Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Research Institute Co., Ltd. and Alstom Sifang (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd., and over 220 core auxiliary companies. Data show that over 2024, the demonstration zone saw a 20% year-on-year increase in the total output value of industrial enterprises above the designated size, a 20% year-on-year rise in the fixed-asset investment, an 110% year-on-year surge in foreign funds actually received, and a 40% year-on-year gain in leading sectors’ output value.

The National High-speed Train Technology Innovation Center in the core area of the demonstration zone, which assumes the national mission of advancing the reform of scientific and technological system by trial and error, has presided over more than 30 scientific research programs ranging from the National Key R&D Program, the High-quality Development Program launched by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to the Future-oriented Industry Program initiated by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and filed for 1,323 international and Chinese invention patents. To date, the National Engineering Lab for Rail Transit Vehicle System Integration, High-speed Maglev Experiment Center, High-speed Maglev Trial-manufacturing Center and CRRC Big Data Center have all begun operations. The New Material Technology Research Institute, whose main body was recently completed, is to be delivered soon.  (Liu Lanxing)

The National High-speed Train Technology Innovation Center in the core zone of the Qingdao Rail Transit Industry Demonstration Area.