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Step into the cab of history with Liu Zhiwei, the dedicated driver of a locomotive proudly bearing the name of China’s revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. For nearly three decades, Liu has navigated railways across the Chinese mainland, becoming a living bridge between past and present.
From Steel Rails to Legacy Trails
Liu began his journey in 1996, when he first took control of the specially designated train. “It’s not just machinery – it’s a symbol of our nation’s progress,” he told local media. His role blends technical precision with cultural stewardship, maintaining both the train’s mechanics and its historical significance.
A Day in the Life
From dawn checks to nighttime maintenance rituals, Liu’s routine mirrors China’s rail development. The train occasionally features in educational tours, offering young people firsthand encounters with 20th-century history. “When students board, I become a part-time history teacher!” he joked.
Tracking the Future
As bullet trains redefine travel, Liu’s vintage locomotive remains a nostalgia magnet. “New tech excites me, but preserving this piece of heritage keeps me grounded,” he said. His story has recently gone viral on Douyin, China’s TikTok, with Gen Z users dubbing him ‘The Keeper of Time’.
