I am Zhan Tianyou, and it is 1909. I stand upon the rocky terrain of the Juyongguan Pass, gazing down at the railway that cuts through the harsh, rugged landscape.

The Great Wall snakes across the mountains nearby, an eternal witness to China’s history.

This place, with its unforgiving slopes and formidable geography, has tested my every skill and ounce of perseverance.

I feel immense pride mixed with relief. The Peking-Kalgan Railway, this engineering marvel, was built without foreign assistance, a first for our nation.

We have proven that we, too, possess the knowledge and capability to master modern engineering.

My journey here began as a young boy, one of the few selected to study abroad, in the United States.

That land was foreign, vast, and filled with strange sounds and sights, yet it taught me the science and techniques I would later bring home.

China’s technological progress is slow in this era, burdened by both tradition and external pressures, yet this project feels like a spark, a new beginning.

Many doubted that we could achieve such an undertaking on our own.

They called this “the impenetrable path.” But I devised a solution: the “Y” switchback—a simple yet effective method to help trains ascend steep grades.

Innovation, I’ve found, often comes in moments of extreme challenge.

Humans are deeply connected in this time, despite our different languages and customs.

Technology—railways, telegrams, steamships—brings us closer. Each nation contributes something valuable to this age of change, and it is through these connections that we are transformed.

My hope is that this railway will serve China, connecting our people, making distances shorter, and fostering a new era of growth and pride.

Essay for Startups Inspired by Zhan Tianyou’s Perspective

Zhan Tianyou’s work on China’s first independent railway teaches startup founders valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the power of practical innovation.

His success in engineering the Peking-Kalgan Railway without foreign assistance was a defining achievement, marking a turning point in China’s technological independence. Startups, particularly those entering new or challenging fields, can draw inspiration from his ability to transform obstacles into stepping stones.

One of Zhan’s greatest lessons is that no challenge is insurmountable with the right mindset and creative thinking.

Facing harsh mountainous terrain, he devised the “Y” switchback technique to allow trains to ascend steep slopes.

Similarly, when startups encounter seemingly insurmountable challenges, they should look for unconventional solutions that make use of available resources and think practically to overcome limitations.

Another key takeaway is Zhan’s dedication to developing indigenous expertise.

Building a railway independently, without relying on foreign engineers, fostered a sense of pride and capability within China.

Startups can apply this principle by investing in their own team’s skills, ensuring they are equipped to tackle challenges without excessive reliance on outside help.

This builds a stronger foundation for growth and resilience.

Lastly, Zhan’s work underscores the power of long-term impact.

His railway was not just about transportation; it was about connecting people, advancing technological progress, and fostering national pride.

Startups should similarly aim to create meaningful products that bring people together, solve real problems, and inspire future growth.

In sum, Zhan Tianyou’s approach to railroad engineering provides timeless lessons for startups: face challenges with creative resilience, invest in building expertise, and work toward impactful, lasting goals.