From Rails to Roots: How the China-Laos Railway Transformed a Young Attendant’s Life

When the China-Laos Railway opened in 2021, Yu Hanlun, a 24-year-old ethnic Dai woman, didn't just land a job—she found a bridge between her modern career and ancient heritage.

For three years, Yu has navigated the 1,035-kilometer route connecting Kunming to Vientiane, serving travelers while rediscovering her Dai roots through encounters with local cultures. 'Every stop feels like flipping through a living history book,' she says. 'I’ve learned to wear traditional Dai clothing again and even teach passengers phrases in my native language.'

The railway, a Belt and Road Initiative project, has boosted regional tourism and trade —but for Yu, it's become a journey of self-discovery. 'I used to feel disconnected from my identity. Now, I’m proud to share my culture with the world,' she adds, reflecting on her confidence growth.

Youth in Laos and the Chinese mainland are riding this wave of opportunity, with over 1,000 young hires like Yu gaining skills and cross-cultural insights. As the trains speed ahead, they're proving infrastructure isn't just about steel tracks—it's about weaving stories.

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A Journey of transformation on the China-Laos Railway

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