(Yicai Global) July 23 -- China State Railway Group's Xi'an unit in central Shaanxi province is training the country's first 29 women drivers to operate high-speed trains. Courses began in May and the trainees recently started to board trains for practical instruction. 

The trainees arrive for class at a high-speed rail platform.

An instructor points at control panel indicators in a driver's cab.

Two of the first women in China to drive electric locomotives chat with the students.

Two of the trainees share a joke in a carriage.