The Steam Locomotive Era: Harbin Station in 1981

Harbin Station opened in 1899 as part of the Chinese Eastern Railway, which was constructed and operated by the Russian Empire. By 1981, the station was under the jurisdiction of the Harbin Railway Bureau, a regional office directly controlled by China’s Ministry of Railways, overseeing the northern part of Northeast China. The bureau managed several major trunk lines including the Jingha Line (Beijing–Harbin), the Binzhou Line (Harbin–Manzhouli), the Binsui Line (Harbin–Suifenhe), and the Hatu Line (Harbin–Tumen). All of these routes served as vital arteries for passenger and freight transport. At that time, Harbin Station played a key role as one of the most important railway hubs in northern China.

Both trams and trolleybuses operated in front of the station. The tram system opened in 1927 and at its peak operated eight lines covering a total length of 42 kilometers, but it was completely abolished in 1987. The trolleybus network started service in 1958 and at its height operated nine routes, but this too was fully discontinued by 2008.

The first waiting room had two levels: the ground floor was designated for commuter train passengers, while the second floor was reserved for travelers heading to destinations such as Manzhouli (a border town in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 935 km from Harbin), Jagdaqi (719 km), Jiamusi (506 km), Bei'an (333 km) in Heilongjiang Province, and Jilin City (275 km) in Jilin Province. Although referred to as "commuter trains," most trains at the time were still operated by steam locomotives. The platforms were very low, and only a small portion had roofing. As a result, it was common to see passengers hurrying toward the station exits after disembarking.

The locomotive numbering system in China largely continued from the pre-war era. JF703, built in 1937 by Nippon Sharyo (Japan), was originally designated as Mikako No.16702. After the 1938 renaming of locomotive classifications, it was reclassified under the Mikai series and became No.703. At the time, Northeast China (former Manchuria) had both South Manchuria Railway (Mantetsu) lines (known as "company lines") and the Manchukuo National Railway (referred to as "national lines"). However, both were operated by Mantetsu. After 1945, the region fell under Soviet military control, then became the China Changchun Railway during the postwar period, and from the 1950s, it was transferred to the Chinese Ministry of Railways. The locomotive numbering was reorganized under the JF (Jiěfàng, or "Liberation") type system, but No.703 retained its original number and continued to operate as JF703.

During this period, the main locomotives handling passenger trains were the People Class (RM type) steam locomotives. The People Class was developed in China by incorporating technology from pre-war Mikaro-class locomotives and the post-war domestically produced Shengli 6 Class (SL6 type), further influenced by the design philosophy of the Soviet P36-class steam locomotives. A total of 258 units were built between 1958 and 1966. In the Harbin area during this time, the People Class remained the backbone of passenger services.

Within the station yard, a wide variety of locomotives operated—ranging from pre-war-built units to newer post-war models. They busily moved about, hauling passenger trains, freight trains, or performing switching operations. Additionally, vehicles such as three-wheeled trucks—which have now completely disappeared—were frequently seen coming and going within the yard, adding to the unique atmosphere of the time.

Ji Hong Bridge (霽虹橋) was constructed to reconnect the northern and southern parts of the city, which had been divided by the railway. From here, visitors could enjoy a panoramic view of the Harbin Station yard. The complex track layout featured crossings and double slips, and a wide variety of locomotives frequently passed by, involved in train arrivals, departures, and switching operations. It was a highly attractive location for railway enthusiasts.

Although steam locomotives were still dominant, diesel locomotives had already started entering service. However, on that day, I saw only this single diesel locomotive. Soon after, rapid changes took place, and steam locomotives quickly disappeared from the mainlines. Even diesel locomotives have been gradually withdrawn due to electrification. I have not revisited Harbin since then, but it seems that almost none of the scenes from that time remain today.