High-speed rails have been rated one of the China's "four great new inventions" in modern times. The 2018 China (Hunan) International Rail Transit Industry Expo, which just ended at the Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center, explained why.

Chinese technological breakthroughs in rail transit transportation have enabled greater convenience in daily life by shortening distances between places. Data shows that the total mileage of China's high speed rail has exceeded 25,000 kilometers, ranked first worldwide. People in other parts of the globe are also benefiting from the innovations, thanks to its high quality, low cost and quick delivery.

A potent force in the field, Changsha made its groundbreaking achievements a particular highlight of the Nov 15-17 rail transit fair among a wide array of other exhibits.

The China (Hunan) International Rail Transit Industrial Expo, held from Nov 15 to 17 at the Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center, gives an insight into China’s prowess in the field. [Photo provided to en.csx.gov.cn]

In all, 200 top enterprises from related industries showcased their state-of-the-art products and technologies. Chief among the participants were China Railway Rolling Stock Co (CRRC), the world's largest train builder, and China Railway Signal & Communication Co (CRSC), the world's biggest rail transit system solutions provider.

They exhibited different kinds of rail transit equipment, supporting parts and facilities, safety monitoring, detection technology and power supply systems.

China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Co Ltd brought 10 product samples and many models, showing off the key to raising maximum operating speeds and riding comfort. On the display were rail systems, heading machines and other machinery.

China Railway Construction Heavy Industry is located in the Changsha Economic and Technological Development Zone, a national demonstration development zone in Xingsha, Changsha county. According to a manager, the company has the world's most advanced automatic production lines, capable of producing railway turnouts, spring rods, and brake-shoes. Its products are globally favored and have been sold to more than 30 countries and regions including the United States, Canada and Africa.

Thanks to competitive businesses like this, Changsha has formed an advanced rail transit equipment industry chain, ranging from trams to maglev vehicle equipment and rail transit signal systems. It has become yet another reliable example of Chinese rail transit technology and equipment.

The Changsha Maglev Express is the first medium-low speed magnetic levitation, or maglev, line domestically built using indigenous technology. [Photo by Wang Zhiwei/icswb.com]

Changsha, together with Zhuzhou and Xiangtan cities, which are developing their own industry clusters to reach scale effects, have strengthened Hunan's competitiveness in rail transit transportation.

According to statistics from Changsha Customs, Hunan province exported rail transit equipment was valued at 1.93 billion yuan ($278 million) in the first three quarters of this year, an increase of 130 percent over the same period last year. Exports to Belt and Road countries grew by a staggering 250 percent.

First held in 2016, China (Hunan) International Rail Transit Industry Expo has become a brand new expo for the domestic and overseas rail transit industry. Each of its previous sessions attracted over 200 exhibitors and over 20,000 professional visitors into its 45,000-square-meter exhibition area. Industry forums and seminars also took place.