Urumqi (Agencies): A China-Europe freight train carrying auto components and goods departed from Horgos Port in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sunday, marking a significant milestone. With this journey, the total number of China-Europe freight trains passing through Xinjiang’s Horgos and Alashankou ports has exceeded 90,000, underscoring the robust progress of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, according to China Railway Urumqi Group Co.
The China-Europe freight train network has become a vital trade corridor, linking major Chinese cities such as Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi’an, and Urumqi with key European destinations including Duisburg, Germany, and Malaszewicze, Poland. These routes cover more than 23,000 kilometers, traversing countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, and Poland, and connect to over 100 European cities. The trains offer faster transit times compared to sea freight and cost-effectiveness compared to air transport, making them a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative.
To boost operational efficiency, Xinjiang railway authorities have implemented measures such as unified dispatching, optimized timetables, and priority handling for cross-border trains. Enhanced cooperation between Chinese and Kazakh railway teams at border points has also improved cargo turnover, with daily container swaps at Horgos rising from 10 to 15 batches. The number of China-Europe trains crossing daily now exceeds 23, officials revealed.
Li Ankang, deputy director at Horgos station, said the station has enhanced capacity, streamlined customs inspections, and introduced a one-stop inspection system, cutting train clearance times by 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, Urumqi Customs has introduced 24/7 appointment services, tax incentives, and joint border inspections, ensuring efficient cross-border operations. Official data indicates that Xinjiang’s two railway ports handled 16,400 freight trains in 2024, a 14% year-on-year increase, maintaining a five-year streak of high growth. The region now connects 123 China-Europe train routes to 21 countries, including Germany and Poland.
The China-Europe freight trains typically take around 15 to 20 days to complete their journey, depending on the specific route and logistical factors. This is significantly faster than sea freight, which can take 30 to 45 days, making rail transport a popular choice for efficient cargo movement.
These developments highlight Xinjiang’s growing role as a critical hub in China’s foreign trade, revitalizing connectivity between Europe and Asia through stable and cost-effective logistics.