驶向共享的未来：高铁时代的文化传播新范式(2)

图为Erwin在中国印象·沙龙活动现场

铁轨将城市与乡村相连，也连接着过去与未来、中国与世界。当Erwin这样的10后透过高铁认识中国时，他们看到的不再只是一个停留在历史中的文明古国，而是一个与他们同样面向未来的现代国家。这种基于科技共鸣的文化理解，为跨文化交流注入了新的活力。未来中国的文化传播，将在延续独特文化魅力的同时，更加注重以智慧和创新回应世界性议题，通过创造共享价值，真正实现从“文化展示”到“未来共建”的跨越。

撰稿人：何博媛

Journeying Towards a Shared Future: A New Paradigm for Cultural Communication in the High-Speed Rail Era

Editor's Note: China's railway system has undergone a monumental transformation over the last century. From a struggling nation dependent on foreign expertise for its railway construction, China has become a "high-speed rail powerhouse" with the world's longest operating high-speed rail network. As a symbol of national strength, high-speed rail's cultural value extends far beyond its function as a mode of transport. The story of Erwin, a young German boy whose curiosity about China's high-speed rail brought him to the country, illustrates a new paradigm of cultural communication, shifting from simply showcasing uniqueness to focusing on a "shared future." When he boarded the Fuxing train from Beijing to Datong, the train wasn't just traversing a route; it was forging a new path for cultural exchange between China and the West. Built on advanced technology, this pathway is gradually fostering a new model of global dialogue—one that is interactive, diverse, and open.

We met Erwin at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) History Museum. "Hi everyone, my name is Erwin Philipp Händel, and I'm 10 years old," he said with a hint of shyness. Erwin told us this was his second trip to China. On his previous visit, he went to Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. This time, he would spend a week in Beijing and Datong.

We asked Erwin about his expectations for this trip. "Of course! I really want to ride on a Chinese high-speed train!" he replied. As he spoke about high-speed rail, the shyness in his eyes was replaced with excitement. Erwin said that he had already studied the high-speed rail map before coming to China. Through the intricate web of tracks, he felt he had already seen the country's vastness and vitality.

When asked why he was so excited about the high-speed rail journey, Erwin explained, "I saw how fast the Fuxing trains go on TikTok—it's so cool! That's why I really want to experience the 'China speed' for myself." As he spoke, Erwin pointed to the route he would be taking in two days on a digital map. "When I do this, I pay attention to the scenery and interesting things around the railway. In a few days, we'll pass through Zhangjiakou, where there are grasslands and mountains. And at the final stop in Datong, there are the Yungang Grottoes and delicious noodles. I'm sure I'll gain a lot from this trip." For Erwin, this wasn't just a commute; it was an immersive adventure through landscapes and culture.

Erwin's story reflects a profound transformation in China's approach to global communication. As a product of modern industrial civilization, the high-speed train embodies universally accepted concepts such as efficiency, innovation, and sustainable development. When young people from other countries learn about China through high-speed rail, they are effectively sharing a common language of modernity and future development. This shared understanding provides a foundation for dialogue between different civilizations.

In today's deeply globalized world, more and more young people from abroad, like Erwin, are forming their perception of contemporary China through products that represent its modern technological achievements, such as high-speed trains. This form of communication bypasses the need to translate traditional cultural symbols, allowing the audience to directly perceive the vitality and innovative spirit of modern China, free from cultural barriers.

As a new cultural medium, high-speed rail no longer deliberately emphasizes cultural differences but rather highlights the shared human pursuit of efficiency, safety, and comfort. This shift has elevated the communication of Chinese culture from merely "showcasing features" to "sharing values." Communication is no longer a one-way display but a dialogue and exchange based on shared modern experiences. Furthermore, the high-speed rail is more than just a mode of transport; it symbolizes a "global public good." Its widespread use sends a signal that China is willing to share the fruits of its development with the world. This spirit of sharing is, in itself, a powerful cultural narrative.