The latter was the interpreter of General Li Hongzhang, who as Viceroy of Zhili initiated numerous reforms to modernise the country.

[3] On 20 November 1886,[4] or according to other accounts as early as 20 August 1886, a trial run was held in the presence of Li Hongzhang and other dignitaries including the Chairman of the Salt Tax Commission.

The locomotive, which was decorated with flags of China, France and England, pulled 1st, 2nd and 3rd class carriages and a baggage car.

[6] The three-kilometre long demonstration railway (French chemin de fer portatif, genre Decauville) had a contract value of 48,100 silver Taels (269,360 Francs).

[8] The Frenchmen Thévenet[9] and Paul Mignard had difficulties with the mandarins in the military administration because they opposed progress, as reported in March 1887.