The development of a transportation network is critical to a nation's advancement. 

In China, the first commercial railway was built in 1876 between Shanghai and Baoshan.

Back then, steam locomotives were all made by Britain, Germany, the U.S. and Japan.

The Ministry of Railways wanted China's locomotives to be made in China. It assigned this challenging task to the Qingdao Sifang Railway factory in the northern province of Shandong.

The workers encountered technical challenges during the design phase.

Controlling the steam in the engine's cylinder which produces power was a difficult task.

After many tests and experiments, the first domestic steam locomotive was completed. On July 26, 1952, it was unveiled at the Sifang Railway Factory.

It was named "Ba Yi" after Army Day on August 1st. Later, a more improved model was named "Forward."

In 1964, artist Lu Shen painted "Locomotive Doctor" to display the optimism and fighting spirit of the railway workers.

Today, Sifang Locomotive Works is the biggest builder of high-speed trains in the world.

China has the longest high-speed rail track network on earth.

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