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.

今年暑期，北京交通大学24名师生乘坐中老铁路列车前往老挝万象，开展为期一周的考察活动，实地感受"一带一路"共建国家的发展脉搏。

在7月下旬至8月初的行程中，考察团与中老铁路工作人员、乘客及老挝国立大学孔子学院代表深入交流。这支由本硕博中外学生组成的跨文化团队，亲眼见证了这条铁路带来的显著变化。

万象运营管理中心站长张振东介绍："铁路开通以来，客货运量均超预期。"数据显示，日均客运量从开通初期的2000余人次跃升至最高1.4万人次，货运量从每日4000多吨增长至2万吨。

在调度中心，师生们见到了两位北交大校友——中方助理工程师周伟和动车组机械师段兴昌。周伟表示："通过参与这个项目，我掌握了大量先进技术和管理经验。"段兴昌说："能参与中老铁路建设倍感自豪，这既是服务国家战略，也向世界展现了中国铁路技术。"

两位工程师勉励学弟学妹们夯实专业基础，未来投身"一带一路"建设。一位前往琅勃拉邦旅游的乘客感慨："以前开车去老挝要两天，现在昆明出发几小时就能到达。"水果贸易商则指出："铁路开通后，榴莲等热带水果价格更亲民了。"

常年在老缅泰三国经商的汽车销售从业者表示："铁路彻底改变了物流格局，既带动老挝产品在华销售，又为当地创造就业机会。"他期待中老泰铁路全线贯通后，进一步促进区域融合发展。

老挝国立大学孔子学院中方院长罗明向师生介绍，因铁路项目人才需求旺盛，该院汉语课程报名异常火爆："2019年前线下报名排长队，改为线上后25-35秒即报满。"

北交大博士生陈俊熹表示："此行深化了我对'知行合一'的理解，只有立足国家视角思考问题，才能更好服务社会。"考察团成员纷纷表示，通过实地参访深切感受到"一带一路"建设的丰硕成果。