CR400AF-S Fuxing Intelligent EMU

In 2004, to meet increasing public travel demands, China introduced four major technology platforms: Siemens, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Alstom, and Bombardier. Through a process of assimilation, absorption, and reinvention, the countrys R&D, design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities improved rapidly, leading to the creation of the "Hexie" brand of Electric Multiple Units (EMUs). However, because the "Hexie" trains were developed across different platforms with inconsistent standards which lacked interoperability. They could neither be interconnected nor used as backups for one another, which increased operating and maintenance costs. To address these challenges, the Chinese standard high-speed train, the "Fuxing" (Rejuvenation), was developed.

Beginning from 2012, under the leadership of the China Railway Corporation and the technical guidance of the China Academy of Railway Sciences, the design and development of the "Fuxing" was carried out in collaboration with CRRC Corporation Limited and related enterprises. In July 2016, the "Fuxing" achieved a world-first: a passing test and double-unit operation at 420 km/h, setting a new world record for high-speed train meeting speeds. On June 25, 2017, the train, featuring completely independent intellectual property rights, was officially named "Fuxing."

On June 26 2017, the "Fuxing" made its inaugural runs (G123 and G124) between Beijingnan Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao stations. The CR400 series has a maximum speed of 400 km/h and a standard operating speed of 350 km/h. This milestone marked Chinas transformation from a follower to a world leader in high-speed rail technology.In December 2019, the Fuxing became the first train in the world to achieve Automatic Train Operation (ATO) at 350 km/h with the opening of the intelligent Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway. This line was the first to utilize the BeiDou Satellite Navigation System for automated functions. By the end of 2020, "Fuxing" intelligent EMUs had expanded to major lines, including the Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Guangzhou, and Chengdu-Chongqing routes. At that time, China Railway had deployed 1,036 Fuxing trains, which had safely traveled 836 million kilometers and transported 827 million passengers.

The CR400AF, developed by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co., Ltd, is a flagship model of the "Fuxing" series. Featuring the iconic "Flying dragon" headlight design, the CR400AF series employs proprietary technology focused on intelligent operation, lightweight design, low energy consumption, and high comfort. It is available in 8, 12, 16, and 17-car configurations to meet varying passenger demands. The CR400AF-S, which entered service on June 15, 2024, is an optimized version of the CR400AF-Z. Through equipment integration and layout optimization, it further expands passenger space. The 8-car formation increases capacity by approximately 7.5%, and the 17-car formation increases it by about 5%. Service facilities have been enhanced with larger luggage racks in second-class and the addition of "preferred first-class" seats in the 17-car units.

The successful operation of the "Fuxing" EMU signifies China's complete mastery of core high-speed rail technologies and the establishment of a standardized system based on independent intellectual property rights. This achievement is crucial for Chinas systematic control of high-speed rail technology and its continued international expansion in the industry.