The new high-speed train, CRH5E, which was developed by China's CRRC, has passed a heating test on the route from Harbin to Dalian, in northeast China. As of now, this new member of China's high-speed train "family" has successfully passed 14 tests.

The CRH5E is specially designed to function in temperatures down to minus 40 degrees Celsius, with a speed of 250 kilometers per hour. As the front part of the train appears almost to have two black eyes, fans call the CRH5E the "Panda." The train has both standard seats and sleepers, and seats can be transformed into lower berths. The seats are also equipped with a backrest, armrests and cup holders in order to maximize passengers' comfort.

According to CRRC, the heating operation test was performed on two typical train cars—sleepers and non-sleepers. The test successfully proved the heating performance of the train in extreme low temperatures.

Currently, the CRH5E has successfully passed 14 tests, including the empty weighing test, the network test, the curve test, the passenger compartment illumination test, the noise test and the loop line test. The cooling operation test will be conducted soon to assess the performance of the train in hot conditions.

According to experts, the development of the CRH5E has not only enriched the range of high-speed trains, it will also become another model of domestic technological innovation, which will undoubtedly enhance the international competitiveness of Chinese high-speed trains.