Does this old steam locomotive spark your curiosity? This is the Canton-Kowloon Railway Memorial Park. It marks the starting point of a railway that once connected Guangzhou and Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong. This park recreates the station’s atmosphere from over a century ago.
The Canton-Kowloon Railway Memorial Park isn’t just a green space. It’s a journey back in time. Imagine yourself transported to 1911. That was when this railway first began operations. Britain and the Qing government agreed to construct the Kowloon-Canton Railway.
The park showcases an old-style steam locomotive. Two vintage green train cars also stand here. Around 300 meters of rail tracks and sleepers complete the picture.
But there is more to the Canton-Kowloon Railway Memorial Park. Explore the train timetable and mileage records on display. A carved roadmap of the Guangzhou-Kowloon Railway lies on the ground. In 2023, it was named Guangzhou’s most creative pocket park.
This railway played a significant role. It boosted trade and commerce between China and the world. It all started during the Han dynasty. Guangzhou became a vital hub on the maritime Silk Road. The city exported coveted Chinese tea, silk, and ceramics.
The Chinese section of the Kowloon-Canton railway opened on October 8, 1911. It stretched 142.77 kilometers. Through train service between Kowloon and Guangzhou began at the same time. The railway’s northern end was in Dashatou, Guangzhou.
After 1949, it was renamed the Guangshen Railway. Repairs mended war damage. The 1980s brought economic reforms. Shenzhen Special Economic Zone developed rapidly. This increased passenger demand. A second line was built between 1984 and 1987. In 1987, it became Guangdong’s first double-track railway.
The Guangshen Railway pioneered speed increases. In 1991, work began to allow trains to reach 160 km/h. By 1994, a train hit 174 km/h during testing.
Today, the Canton-Kowloon Railway Memorial Park stands as a reminder. It honors Guangzhou’s railway history. Take a moment to appreciate this creative space. Imagine the trains that once traveled this route.