Li has also taught at a number of colleges, including Changchun Polytechnic, and helped train technical workers all over the country.

In 2010, he set up a workshop to train welders. By June of last year, it had held about 400 courses and trained more than 20,000 people.

"My skills are more valuable when they're taught to others," he said.

His colleague and apprentice, Sun Weipeng, said that sometimes Li does not wear protective gear while teaching.

"He removed his face protection to see what I was doing more clearly. Now, every time I see his red eyes, swollen from the welding light and high temperatures, I feel moved and a little guilty. Li is one of the people that I admire the most," he said.

Li said that his plan now is to focus his energies on his workshop, and gather the expertise to tackle new problems in the railway manufacturing industry.

"The Fuxing train is a beauty. It's safe, fast, and comfortable. The cabin stays quiet, even at high speeds. I feel a real sense of pride sitting in that bright, spacious carriage. The spirit of craftsmanship is to always do better than your best, and this way, we'll ensure the high-speed rail industry keeps advancing," Li said.

Han Junhong contributed to this story.