Big changes followed the cessation of steam working in early 2005. Passing loops were extended and the semaphore signals that guarded many of JiTong's stations were replaced by colour lights. Evidence of the work can clearly be seen in this photograph, taken just east of Xiakengzi station.
The train itself is evidence of another change, the introduction of regular CNR express passengers. DF4 3635 was working a Huhehaote to Wulanhaote train towards the summit on 7 October 2006.