The third STC Truck Culture Festival undoubtedly raised the level of truck culture in China once again, and the event was truly spectacular. As a writer at the exhibition, I couldn’t miss the chance to capture some trucks. So, let’s delve into the highlights of this truck culture festival through my lens!
Outdoor Exhibition Area: Scania, Mercedes-Benz, Shaanxi Automobile, Beijing, Hyundai, and other brands showcased.
The most eye-catching display in the outdoor area was Scania’s booth, featuring the new Super 560S and 650S V8 models. Luxurious heavy trucks that were once only seen in short videos could now be viewed up close, attracting numerous fans. Scania’s official driving trainers were also on-site, providing insights into the rich configurations and advanced technologies, allowing attendees to take pictures with the V8 and experience the feeling of being the king of the road from the driver’s seat.
The Mercedes-Benz booth featured a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2653 with electronic mirrors for everyone to explore. Staff interacted with attendees, explaining key features of Mercedes trucks. There were also fun activities like curling, quizzes, and obstacle courses that incorporated knowledge about Mercedes trucks, making learning enjoyable and deepening the audience’s understanding of the brand’s innovative technology.
The renowned mechanic Guagua also set up a booth across from Mercedes-Benz! They showcased the newly launched “Truck Buddy” IoT box and “AMT Special Inspection.” The IoT box allows owners to view truck data, anticipate torque limits, issue low oil warnings, and analyze oil change data. It can even display trailer data, a unique feature in vehicle management systems that effectively mitigates safety risks. The AMT Special Inspection supports remote diagnostics, allowing technicians to program the transmission without needing to be on-site.
Shaanxi Automobile’s booth was also one of the most popular, showcasing the Shaanxi DeLong X6000 gold-plated gas truck and the DeLong H6000 blue-labeled off-road camper. The X6000, a pioneer in domestic heavy truck culture, included spotlight and side skirt decorations as optional items approved by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Customers can purchase officially modified vehicles without concerns about registration and inspection, while also obtaining a stylish and unique truck.
Beijing Heavy Truck’s exhibit embraced a national trend, showcasing a high-spec Fuxing 580 tractor adorned with decorative light racks, spotlights, and Michelin figures, creating a striking appearance. The side graphics featured popular elements from “Black Myth: Wukong,” complemented by a stylish Wukong-themed model, resulting in a unique national flair that attracted countless attendees for photos, aligning with the vibrant style of this young company.
Hyundai Commercial Vehicles also participated, presenting the latest Hyundai Chuanghu tractor. As the first domestically owned heavy truck brand, Hyundai combines high craftsmanship with Korean design aesthetics in its new model. With superior build quality, high-performance powertrain, and top-notch components, Hyundai also promotes a five-year or 500,000-kilometer free inspection and maintenance service, solidifying attendees’ impressions of Hyundai heavy trucks.
Indoor Exhibition Area: Domestic heavy trucks exude charm on par with European models, showcasing a variety of modified trucks.
During the entrance ceremony, I captured the scene from a bridge. The bird’s-eye view is always innovative and impressive. Now, let’s take a look at the participating vehicles! (Ranked by the order of appearance, not necessarily in sequence.)
The first vehicle is from the president of the STC Super Truck Club, a well-known Scania 650S V8 featuring Optimus Prime body artwork, complete with spotlights and under-guards akin to European modified trucks. This was undoubtedly the standout vehicle at the event.
Not just Porsche has pink pigs; Scania can have them too! This R500 has also gained fame on Douyin, decorated with a color change film and adorned with spotlights and rotating yellow lights.
A Volvo FH with a painted design of Bruce Lee, featuring artistic graphics not only on the front but also on the side skirts. It’s equipped with a top-mounted spotlight and a customized subwoofer, achieving a striking look. Remarkably, few would guess this stunning Volvo is a few years old and a Euro 4 model!
The Shaanxi DeLong X6000 in a shimmering gold finish, I prefer to call it “Ice Lake Blue.” This low-key yet unique color, paired with factory-installed decorative kits, embodies a European charm.
The domestically produced Mercedes-Benz Actros 2653 with electronic mirrors has impressive features, including LED headlights and a highway star aesthetic kit. The owner added a chrome decoration on the grille, and notably, this truck features a rare rear-lifting axle, which is uncommon as most are dual-driven vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz Actros 1853 was initially mistaken for a Yunda or Shentong vehicle, but it turned out to be a beloved truck belonging to an owner from Shanxi. The striking orange paint job and original Mercedes powertrain, along with the ABA5 and ADA2 active safety features, are impressive.
The Tianlong KX Rongyao is a classic KX model in a new color scheme, showcasing a gas vehicle with a stylish white body and matching grille, complemented by dual back gas cylinders, offering a capacity of 2700L.
A pure white Scania 500S, this color scheme is quite rare, and the owner appears to have added sun visors and spotlights.
Numerous high-end domestic heavy trucks exude a quality comparable to European models. For instance, this Shandeka C9H features an XXL cabin with large windows, standing as the flagship of the Shandeka family. With some decoration, its charm is immediately highlighted.
This Scania R450 is extremely stylish, fully wrapped in a paint job, though I couldn’t recognize the character depicted. This truck also has spotlights, and the wheel rims are flat steel circles. With a rear-lifting axle, it would evoke a European vibe if seen on a lush country road with a white license plate.
Modified trucks aren’t exclusive to imports; domestic vehicles can also shine. This FAW JH6, under its owner’s decor, stands out vibrantly. The lighting is exceptionally striking at night. Moreover, it’s the only front-four, rear-eight truck exhibited.
The SANY Jiangshan 585 is a niche model among domestic trucks, showcased in fluorescent green paint, leading in unique color schemes, though the truck is relatively plain. However, the owner keeps it well-maintained.
The Shaanxi DeLong X6000, prior to its golden version, had all exterior modifications done by the owner, including spotlights, Michelin figures, light boxes, guards, and side skirts, making it a pioneer in domestic modifications. The current golden version seems to follow this style. The X6000’s exterior is inherently European in charm, with a little modification elevating its aesthetic.
Scania 650S V8, also known as the “Ned’s Lu Bu” truck on Douyin, is quite famous. The owner is one of the founders of the STC Super Truck Club.
The Shandeka featured in Douyin’s “Truck Kang Kang” has a refined appearance with a white spray on the lower grille, mirrors, and mudguards, along with two rows of spotlights and stylish side skirts, enhancing its aesthetics significantly beyond the original model.
A Volvo FH painted with a “King of Glory” Li Bai design, also popular on Douyin, fully modified with spotlights and flat steel rims. However, it seems it had a larger front bull bar in the Douyin videos, which would have made it even cooler.
The Scania G450 looks impressive from a bird’s-eye view, especially with side skirts. Do you feel the same way? (Some later photos feature official photographers standing below, blocking individual captures, so several trucks are shown in one frame…)
The Scania R500 rushed over from Hong Kong overnight, featuring a wrap with a Gao Da pattern and equipped with an air suspension chassis, making it look lower than other trucks. Vehicles running between Hong Kong and the mainland have dual licenses, and I heard this truck cost the owner about 1.6 million RMB when purchased… Cars in Hong Kong aren’t cheap either.
It’s A later batch of imported Mercedes-Benz 1845, also modified by its owner, has spotlight guards, side skirts, and a full underbody kit, with the front wheel hub painted green.
The Shaanxi Auto Yanan S700, a twin brother of the DeLong X6000, uses an Xi’an Cummins engine. The upper part of the Yanan S700’s grille is closed, while the lower part features a semi-closed design, giving it a strong sense of integrity. It differs slightly in style from the X6000 but still has a European charm.
The Tianlong KX King is quite plain, with no light modifications; it simply has a cute Doraemon wrap.
This KX is fully wrapped in red, resembling a GX style, with some added light decorations. Which one do you think looks cooler, this one or the previous one?
The Scania R450 has two rows of powerful lights that illuminate like daylight. However, I remind truckers to use lights correctly when driving at night.
The Howo TX big single bridge truck features the owner’s favorite anime character decals, and some lights added. From a bird’s-eye view, this single bridge truck has a well-proportioned appearance.
I really love this Geely A5; the owner put in a lot of effort into the modifications. The yellow outline of the grille contrasts sharply with the entire vehicle, and various modified attachments elevate the A5’s presence. If you cover the logo, passersby might wonder where this truck is imported from, as it has a strong Japanese and Korean vibe.
A white heavy-duty truck is cleverly designed; even a plain truck looks great. With some embellishments, it exudes a unique charm. This one is a Scania R500, and just a little decoration makes it stand out.
The white Volvo FH is similarly appealing. The truck not only has a white finish on the matte surface but also features a chrome decoration on the grille, reminiscent of the FH16. Paired with a sharper new design, it looks fantastic
This truck should be the most outstanding in the Volvo square, the highest spec FH540 at the time. We previously covered this truck. The pose in the photo was deliberately adjusted by the owner, as the front axle has air suspension, allowing it to be lowered significantly. The ground clearance is lower than a soda can, showcasing a “ground-hugging” stance.
The Volvo FH500 features a side wrap designed in the style of the Swedish flag, matching its Swedish heritage. This truck has no significant modifications; even just this wrap is quite fitting.
Looking at this, the Shandeka C9H looks best in white. With slight modifications and a wrap, it also looks quite cool.
The updated Volvo FH has no decorations, just a plain look, though this color is quite rare.
Here’s another Scania 650S V8. Four Scania V8s have already appeared at the truck festival, meaning nearly half of the 650S in the country are here.
Shentong brought an old high-spec Shandeka express truck, with a MAN engine, ZF 16-speed manual gearbox, and air suspension, still featuring a rear-mounted battery. This configuration was quite competitive at the time. However, it seems the fairing is a bit too high and got caught under the bridge…
An old Volvo FM is still running the Hangzhou-Guangzhou route and was once a speedster on the highway.
This truck, imported in either 2020 or 2021, is the highest-spec Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor at that time, using the first generation of electronic rearview mirrors. Additionally, this truck has the largest GIGASPACE cab from Mercedes, with luxurious interior fittings. If I remember correctly, the price of this truck back then could buy two Actros 1845s.
The Shandeka G7 features a set of spotlights and Michelin mascots, focusing on practicality. The remaining budget went into less visible features, like centralized lubrication for the whole vehicle, 6S6M brakes, etc.
The Scania S500 from Dantai Industrial has a uniform white paint job. I must say, white tractors truly look stunning, and the side wrap matches perfectly.
This truck owner’s dream of traveling all over China in a semi-truck was realized when he bought an S500, even opting for black paint (which seems to cost extra). He registered it as a non-operational vehicle and now travels around the country; it’s truly enviable.
The first Scania 560S Super in the country is also an internet-famous truck. The owner has added spotlights and decorative pieces. This truck is the only Scania Super at the exhibition.
A single-driven Scania and a single-driven Volvo appear together. Which truck do you think looks cooler?
Have you ever seen a car hauler styled like an Alfa Romeo? This isn’t an official rescue vehicle from Alfa; rather, it was modified by the owner. If I remember correctly, the previous wrap was Gulf Oil-themed, making it another internet-famous truck.
I wonder who bought this new truck; it hasn’t even been registered yet. This is an Eomann EST Star Edition. The updated Eomann doesn’t seem to highlight the exquisite front design in red; gray or blue-gray might accentuate it better.
As an old classic, the Fuxing brand truck had its hay bale wrapped in a decorative truck shape. This nostalgic look recalls the time when Fuxing trucks were more commonly seen in the city.
Here’s another classic truck in the exhibition—XGMA 6100. The rear axle is the largest one on this truck, making it even more appealing.
A modified Chenglong features a large bumper, boasting a shiny black finish that catches the light. It even has a rear extension.
The Eomann Big Galaxy looks best in white, and after adding side skirts, the vehicle’s appearance has become much more consistent. The owner has also applied a phoenix decal on the body.
The Volvo FM420 running on air suspension looks well-maintained, with shiny wheel hubs. Perhaps the high freight costs for air suspension trucks justify the investment.
The Renault Premium 440 was quite unexpected since these trucks are rare in China. Many have been scrapped due to age or parts shortages. This one is well-maintained, with no missing parts or damage. The white color looks like a later modification, but I must say, a French heavy truck in white is genuinely romantic.
Following the Renault is a Volvo 4X2 cargo truck, likely retired from the major telecom operators’ mobile station fleet or a roadshow company. Since it hauls valuable items, it features full air suspension, powered by a Volvo D9 300 horsepower engine and a manual gearbox.
The Dutch DAF Volvo FM hazardous goods transport truck features a globally unified livery typical of international companies, showcasing a European style.
The Jiefang Big J7 has a very strong appearance; decorating this truck requires some thought or a unique color. Curvy trucks seem easier to decorate, but this one is still decent. The owner has added overhead lights, a lower guard, and side skirts, enhancing its appearance.
The green Scania R450 is quite rare, with a fierce lion decal on the side and an added spotlight on the grille.
The Volvo FH adorned with Ultraman is an internet-famous truck, part of Chang Logistics’ “land airplane.” It features a row of spotlights on the roof, and the grille, mirrors, and sun visor have been modified to orange. The owner has paid attention to detail, making the combination quite stylish.
The last to enter is a Mercedes ATEGO, an older model that likely belonged to the European Liseck company. Equipped with a refrigerated box, it presumably transports temperature- and humidity-sensitive goods. This fully imported truck has air suspension on the rear axle, a 230 horsepower engine, and a 6-speed manual transmission. Its status in Germany is similar to that of the Tianjin in China.
Of course, some trucks entered early without participating in the entrance ceremony, like this beautiful Flina trailer owned by Brother Wang. With a classic long-nose design and Optimus Prime livery, it dominates the scene!
Here’s a close-up of Old Wang; this photo was taken during the entrance. The pose with his left arm resting on the door frame looks particularly cool, especially with this striking American heavy truck, reminiscent of the powerful truck drivers in American movie
Old Wang also brought two Ford exhibition trucks, one is the F650 American-style big trailer, and the other is the F450 agricultural support vehicle, both quite rare models. The F150 Raptor next to these two truly looks like a little brother.
This is the test drive lineup: a Scania G450 with a full air suspension chassis, a Mercedes Actros C 2658 tractor, and a Scania 500R PRO tractor. Anyone with a B2 driver’s license can take them for a spin.
Inside, there’s an imported Mercedes Actros 1842 GIGASPACE, from the same company as the one with electronic mirrors we saw during entry. The trailer behind this one is a mobile toilet—over a million yuan for a truck hauling a toilet! You have to wonder about that experience.
The Zero Kilometer Lubrication Truck team features a racing truck equipped with a heavily modified Weichai engine, boasting over 800 horsepower. It accelerates from zero to 100 in just 8 seconds, making it faster than small cars!
Now, let’s take a look at some group photos and behind-the-scenes moments.
Editor’s Note:
In recent years, with the rise of short videos and self-media, we have access to more information about trucks. Friends who modify their beloved vehicles share photos and videos, attracting greater attention, which leads more people to join the journey of decorating trucks, sharing experiences, and promoting truck culture. As a result, China’s truck culture is gradually emerging, and the hosting of truck festivals promotes the development of this culture, enhancing the cohesion among truck enthusiasts. Here, everyone can forget the pressures of their usual transport work, chat freely, make friends, and take photos.
With a blue sky, tidy trucks, captured smiles, and cheerful laughter, the image of messy trucks fades away in the harmonious atmosphere. People regard truck drivers as the “arteries of society” with respect and admiration. At this moment, China’s truck culture is rapidly developing into something magnificent and colorful.
