The CR400AF multi-unit train manufactured by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Company (Photo/ThePaper.cn)

China has adopted new rules when it comes to the naming of multi-unit trains, railway reporter Luo Chunxiao revealed on Jan. 4.

According to CCTV News, China's National Railway Administration issued model certificates and manufacturing licenses to CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and CRRC Qingdao Sifang Company on Jan. 3, indicating that China's standard multi-unit trains are qualified for large-scale manufacturing and commercial operation.

The CR400BF multi-unit train manufactured by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles (Photo/ThePaper.cn)

The "blue dolphin" bullet trains manufactured by Sifang are named CR400AF, while the "golden phoenix" trains made by Changchun are named CR400BF. The former CRH (China Railway High-Speed) naming rules have been officially abandoned.

The new rules were determined at the end of November 2016. China's standard multi-unit trains will adopt similar names in the future. Three sub-series -- CR200, CR300 and CR400 -- refer to bullet trains with speed limits of 100-200 km/h, 200-300 km/h and 300-400 km/h respectively.