For 16 years, French rail transit engineer Romain Sevestre has called China home, blending his professional expertise with a front-row seat to the country's technological transformation. His weekly commute between Nanjing and Wuhu—two cities 100 kilometers apart—aboard a monorail system he helped design offers a tangible connection to China's rapid infrastructure development.
'The view from the train window tells the story,' says Sevestre, describing how once-rural landscapes have given way to smart cities and innovation hubs. When not commuting, he leverages China's 40,000-kilometer high-speed rail network to participate in marathons nationwide, calling it 'the perfect blend of modern convenience and personal challenge.'
His experiences extend beyond engineering feats. Through weekend basketball games with local colleagues and spontaneous hotpot dinners, Sevestre has developed a deeper understanding of China's cultural landscape. 'Technology connects infrastructure,' he notes, 'but shared experiences build bridges between people.'
Reference(s):
Looking into China: How a French engineer sees Chinese technology
cgtn.com
