The Evolution of Tianjin West Railway Station

Tianjin West Railway Station is an important transportation hub located in the Hongqiao District of Tianjin City, and it stands as one of the iconic buildings with a century-old history in the area. The construction of the station commenced in the first year of the Xuantong era (1908), with its operation starting in the second year of Xuantong (1910). Subsequently, it underwent three phases of expansion and renovation. In February 2009, the station initiated its third major renovation project. On June 30, 2011, the renovated Tianjin West Railway Station was officially opened to the public.

Reference: Tianjin West Station Main Building: Historical Landmark of Hongqiao District

The history of Tianjin West Railway Station dates back to August of the first year of the Xuantong era (1909) when the construction began. It wasn't until December 14, 1910, that this two-story brick-and-concrete structure, showcasing the German Neoclassical architectural style, was officially put into operation. Designed by German architects, the overall style of Tianjin West Railway Station embodies typical German architectural features. Situated in a north-south direction, the station comprises 4 tracks, 2 platforms, a pedestrian overpass, and a station building. Each year, this station serves approximately 127,000 passengers and transports 51,000 tons of cargo. In November 1912, with the completion of the Jinpu Railway, Tianjin West Station became a crucial hub connecting the north and south of China and an international customs clearance port.

During the Japanese occupation of Tianjin in 1937, the number of tracks at Tianjin West Station increased to 5, and a southern freight yard was added. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Tianjin West Station was classified as a third-class station, but it was upgraded to a second-class station in 1955 and then to a first-class station in 1962. In January 1993, a significant renovation project was undertaken at Tianjin West Station, focusing on improving lighting facilities, building canopies, raising platforms, repairing lighting fixtures, upgrading underground fire protection systems, and underground malls. By the end of 1995, this renovation project was substantially completed. In the second half of 2003, another round of refurbishment was carried out, mainly focusing on improving lighting facilities and erecting canopies.

On February 4, 2009, the third phase of the expansion and renovation project officially commenced. Starting from May 4 of the same year, Tianjin West Station suspended passenger services, with Yangliuqing Station temporarily serving as the passenger station. On November 18, 2010, the main structure of the station building project at Tianjin West Station began to take shape. On June 30, 2011, the renovated Tianjin West Station was put into operation. On January 8, 2012, the mainline of the Tianjin West Station's conventional speed area was officially put into operation, marking the comprehensive completion of the expansion and renovation project.

On December 1, 2013, the Tianjin Metro diameter line connecting Tianjin West Station and Tianjin Station officially commenced operations. On December 5, 2014, the Suyabaya Viaduct of the Beijing-Shanghai High-speed Railway project was completed, linking Tianjin West Station. Starting from December 10, 2019, Tianjin West Station began a trial operation of electronic ticketing services. At 00:05 on October 21, 2023, with the departure of the 55102 EMU train from Tianjin West Station, the Jinxing Intercity Railway officially entered the operational trial phase, marking the final sprint before the opening of the line. On December 18, the Jinxing Intercity Railway was officially opened for operation.

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