The maglev train, which is also known as vactrain in the industry, is designed to run inside a virtually air-free tube to reduce resistance.

"While China's researchers have made breakthroughs in technologies relating to the vactrain, a reliable infrastructure system allowing the trains to run and test its performance is of equal importance," said Yang Xufeng, chief engineer of the Datong high-speed flying train project unit.

"When we were commissioned to build the project in 2021, we were aware that this was the most challenging mission in the history of our company. But the successful test proved that we have the competence to tackle all the challenges," he added.

Installing the vacuum tube, which is done by putting together pipes each with a diameter of 6 meters and a length of 21 meters, for instance, requires great accuracy, according to Yang.

Other achievements in Shanxi's innovation capacity include its 1,599 high-tech enterprises; 626 specialized, refined and innovative enterprises; and 120 cutting-edge products that enjoy popularity in overseas markets.

It is worth mentioning that Shanxi's product exports from the "new three sectors" — photovoltaics, lithium-ion batteries and new energy vehicles — reported more than twofold increases year-on-year in 2024.

The work report said Shanxi should advance economic transformation and foster new quality productive forces by promoting the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation.