Chen Zhiqi and his colleagues were changing the insulators of overhead line system installed in the stretch of Qarhan Salt Lake of Qinghai Province, northwest China on March 14, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chen Zhiqi, a 44-year-old catenary worker, serves at the Golmud Power Supply Workshop, which belongs to the Sining Power Supply Section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway (QTR) Company. Chen's work area is situated on the central region of Qarhan Salt Lake of Qinghai Province, northwest China.

Because of its special geography, this stretch of QTR is being exposed to salt and sandstorm all year round. Loads of salt adhere to the insulators of the overhead wire system, leaving the transmission lines potential safety hazard.

In order to ensure the safe transport on this special electrified railway line, every day Chen and his colleagues do measurements, adjust the stagger value of the overhead contact wire system, and fix the gradient position. In the meantime, they need to climb the overhead line system which is over 7 meters high to renew and clean the insulators.

Chen and his fellow workers get the name of "spidermen" because they work on the overhead line system high above the ground. It is these spidermen that have guaranteed the safe operation of the QTR against the severe weather.

"It is the happiest moment for me when the trains run through our work area while passengers are waving and smiling to us," said Chen.

Chen Zhiqi and his colleagues were changing the insulators of overhead line system installed in the stretch of Qarhan Salt Lake of Qinghai Province, northwest China on March 14, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chen Zhiqi (right) and his colleagues were changing the insulators of overhead line system installed in the stretch of Qarhan Salt Lake of Qinghai Province, northwest China on March 14, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chen Zhiqi were preparing for changing the insulators of overhead line system installed in the stretch of Qarhan Salt Lake of Qinghai Province, northwest China on March 14, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chen Zhiqi (left) and his colleagues went to the next wire pole by the operating vehicle on March 14, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]