Li Wen became a diesel engineer in 1984, as China was saying goodbye to most of its old steam trains. He was in the first batch of engineers on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway when it opened in 2006.

The family tradition of working on the railways kindled the passion of Li Yongwei, the third generation of the family to become an engineer.

"Besides my father and grandfather, my uncle and aunt also work in the railway system. It's like it's in our veins, and that's why I have a special feeling for the railway. It's because of my family," he said.

After leaving the Army in 2009, Li Yongwei became an apprentice engineer for the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Co and obtained his license to drive an electric locomotive in 2015.

"Compared with earlier generations, trains are now equipped with microwave ovens, refrigerators and restrooms, which provide a more comfortable and convenient working environment for the staff," he said.

The three generations of the family have operated train engines for a combined 54 years. They have seen great strides in China's railway industry.

"The dream of a clean and fast train finally came true in the younger generation," Li Wen of the middle generation said.

Li Yongwei, the youngest, is now preparing to qualify as a high-speed train engineer and hopes his father and grandfather can ride with him on one in the next three years.