Twenty-four students and faculty from Beijing Jiaotong University took a weeklong trip during the summer via the China-Laos Railway to Vientiane, Laos, to experience the development of countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

During their journey from late July to earlier this month, they talked with China-Laos Railway staff, passengers and representatives from the Confucius Institute of the National University of Laos, witnessing the remarkable achievements of the railway.

The group included Chinese and international students from academic disciplines at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels.

"Since the railway opened, both passenger and freight volumes have exceeded expectations," said Zhang Zhendong, the train station head of the Vientiane operation and management center.

Daily passenger count has surged from over 2,000 at the start to a peak of more than 14,000, and freight volume has jumped from over 4,000 metric tons per day to 20,000 tons, Zhang said.

At the center, the group met with Chinese assistant engineer Zhou Wei and high-speed train mechanical engineer Duan Xingchang, who both graduated from Beijing Jiaotong University.

Zhou said, "Through this project, I have learned a lot of advanced technology and management experience, which has greatly helped my career development."

Duan said, "Being involved in the construction of the China-Laos Railway makes me feel proud because I have not only contributed to a major national project but also witnessed the international influence of Chinese railway technology."

They encouraged younger students to study hard, improve themselves and join the BRI after graduation to contribute to the development of the country and the prosperity of the world.

A tourist traveling to Luang Prabang said: "Before the opening of the railway, it took two days of driving to reach Laos for a trip. Now, it takes only a few hours to travel from Kunming to Laos."

Additionally, the railway has significantly impacted the availability of goods.

"Durian used to be a luxury fruit for us. Now, durian is everywhere in my city, and the prices of tropical fruits have become more affordable in Kunming," she said.

An automotive sales professional who conducts business in Laos, Myanmar and Thailand reflected on the past. "Previously, transporting goods by land was time-consuming and costly.

"However, the opening of the China-Laos Railway has completely changed the situation, not only boosting sales of Laotian products in China but also providing more employment opportunities for Laotians, allowing them to work in China and earn more income," he told the students.

"I eagerly look forward to the full completion of the China-Southeast Asia Railway, which will further enhance cultural and economic exchanges between China and countries along the route, promoting regional integration."

Luo Ming, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute of the National University of Laos, shared his view of the project's impact with the students.

He said that the China-Laos Railway project has a high demand for talent, making the Confucius Institute's enrollment extremely competitive.

"Before 2019, enrollment was mainly done offline, with long lines of applicants. After switching to online registration, all slots were filled within 25 to 35 seconds," he said.

The group members gained substantial insights through their participation, expressing admiration for the achievements of the BRI.

"This trip has deepened my understanding of the concept of 'unity of knowledge and action'. I have realized that only by addressing issues from a national perspective can we better serve our country and society," said Chen Junxi, a doctoral student at BJTU.

Li Boyu contributed to this story.

[email protected]