Middle East Railway Museum
Stepping into the Middle East Railway Museum, one is immediately struck by the sight of signal lights, rails, sleepers, and ballast, creating an overwhelming sense of familiarity.
Fifteen connected locomotive sheds resemble a large, spread-out accordion. The steep gable roofs, tall brick walls, giant cogged eaves, and black lacquered doors, along with the cross rails in front of the doors that resemble a musical staff, together play the music of an era.
Inside the gate lies a genuine steam locomotive, majestic and imposing. Now it's clear that at the front of the locomotive is a large boiler, which uses steam to drive the turbine and connecting rod, causing the wheels to turn. Behind the driver's cab is a long coal and water tender.
In the past, when trains passed through this section of the track, due to the steepness of the Zhangguangcai Ridge, additional locomotives were needed at Hengdaohezi for a boost, and during winter when the slopes were slippery with snow, five or six booster locomotives were required. To maintain and store these locomotives, the Middle East Railway built this locomotive shed. It served as a logistical base for the locomotives, and with the elimination of steam engines and the closure of the Gaolingzi line, it was discontinued. After restoration in 2014, it became the Middle East Railway Museum we see today. The museum houses a collection of over three hundred items including locomotives, parts, tools, and models. Its renovation and design project also won the 'Global Award for Excellence in Construction' and the 'Gold Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation'.
Some say that Hengdaohezi is a town brought by the train, and the Middle East Railway brought prosperity here. The Middle East Railway Museum is also a witness and recorder of this century-old town.