A monstrous ‘O’ shaped building reminiscent of the University of Oregon logo looms over the crowded skyline of Beijing. A beacon of China’s modernization and technological advancement, the complex is the newly completed high-speed rail transportation hub. Cars, buses, metro and train all converge at the Beijing South Rail station. Our tour guide, smartly dressed much like an airplane stewardess, regaled us with many technical facts and figures about the station, building’s construction, and train operation. The roof area is over 940,000 sqm (over 10 million sqft). The train travels up to 380 km/hr (236 miles/hr). The ticket check systems are electronic. First class passengers have a special VIP Lounge with wifi access.

While the presentation may have been a bit dry, our passage on the train from Beijing to Shanghai was thrilling. We departed the city, gaining speed as we entered the countryside. The elevated track afforded great views of villages and agricultural fields. The smooth ride gave you the sensation of floating.

- Lauren Schwartz

Sustainable Business Practices
University of Oregon
MBA Candidate 2012

Written by UO Business

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