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London-based design group Priestmangoode recently obtained a contract from Chinese rolling stock firm Sifang to design trains that will run on China’s new high-speed rail network. The contract also outlines an eight-year design cooperation between the two companies.

Earlier this year, Priestmangoode signed a contract with Sifang to develop concepts for the new trains. The first designs were presented in July.

Priestmangoode developed eight different nose designs, each referencing an important Chinese cultural symbol, according to the design firm. The goal: to present China’s Ministry of Railways with an “iconic design that will be a global beacon for China’s dynamic development,” according to a prepared statement.

China currently is spending $300 billion to build 35 high-speed rail lines by 2012. Trains will travel at speeds up to 220 mph. The Ministry of Railways plans to unveil the train design by 2009’s end.