In the winter chill, the Khorgos Railway Port in Xinjiang buzzes with activity. A China-Europe (Central Asia) freight train, loaded with electronics, daily necessities, and auto parts, completes customs clearance and departs for Almaty, Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, at the Alashankou Port, a return train from Central Asia finishes cargo transfer and sets off for Xi'an. Such bustling scenes have become a daily routine at Xinjiang's two major ports.
Central Asia, situated at the heart of Eurasia, has long been a vital crossroads connecting east and west, north and south. In recent years, the increasing frequency of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains has tightly linked and efficiently aggregated industries along the route, paving a "golden corridor" for deeper economic cooperation between China and Central Asia.
The China-Europe freight train network operates along three main routes—western, central, and eastern—with the western route passing through Xinjiang's Alashankou and Khorgos ports, serving as a critical rail link between China and Central Asia. According to China Railway Urumqi Group Co., Ltd., over the first 11 months of this year, Xinjiang's dual ports handled 16,000 China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains, a 7.6% year-on-year increase, transporting more than 200 categories of goods.
Behind the efficient operation of these trains lies continuous upgrades in port clearance capabilities. At Alashankou Port, railway authorities pre-plan marshalling schemes, prepare empty wagons and operational lines in advance, and implement a "fast-loading, fast-unloading" model for priority goods like containers to ensure "wagons wait for cargo." Meanwhile, Khorgos Port has launched reforms combining "smart railway ports" with localized rapid customs clearance, boosting vehicle turnover efficiency by over 20%.
"Now, trains can clear customs on the same day of arrival, with a maximum delay of 24 hours," said Guo Chunlei, a business executive at Xinjiang Zhonglian Haitong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. He noted significant reductions in costs such as cargo damage and demurrage fees in recent years, along with new long-term partnerships with six Central Asian countries.
The China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains are not just logistics channels but also vital engines for regional economic growth and industrial synergy. Take Xi'an as an example: the city now operates regular freight lines to major Central Asian hubs like Almaty and Tashkent. Leveraging this stable route, an increasing array of Central Asian specialty products—such as honey, beer, and pastries—are swiftly entering the Chinese market. At the Aiju Health Life Experience Store in Xi'an's Chanba International Port, these goods attract crowds of shoppers.
"In 2024, Xi'an Aiju Grain and Oil Industry Group imported 92,000 tons of grain via the China-Europe freight trains (Xi'an), generating 180 million yuan in sales from imported raw materials," said Liu Dongmeng, the group's Party secretary.
While "global goods" flow seamlessly into China, "Made in China" products also journey worldwide. Less than 2 kilometers from Xi'an International Port, Shaanxi Konka Smart Home Appliances Headquarters produces one dishwasher every 20 seconds on average. "We chose this location precisely for the logistics advantages of the China-Europe freight trains," said Yuan Gen, deputy general manager of the company, noting that over 60% of their exports are shipped via these trains.
Latest statistics from China State Railway Group show that from January to October this year, the China-Europe freight trains (Xi'an) made 5,063 trips, up 16.3% year-on-year. This marks the first time annual trips exceeded 5,000 within the first 10 months, setting a record high for the period. Key metrics like trip volume, cargo volume, and load efficiency consistently rank among the nation's top performers.
The China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains continue their relentless journey. This "golden corridor," built on rails and thriving through trade, is radiating ever-stronger vitality, serving as a robust bond for deepened cooperation, economic prosperity, and cultural exchange between China and Central Asia.
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