Starting from Xi'an Port, a new domestic freight train service conducted its maiden run to the port city of Qingdao, Shandong province on Aug 20. The new service marks the first time for domestic and international rail lines to be linked in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province.

The train, loaded auto parts, juice and other cargo, will traverse 1,300 kilometers over 46 hours through Henan and Jiangsu provinces before arriving in Qingdao.

A joint effort of the Xi'an International Trade and Logistics (ITL) Park and the Xi'an Railway Bureau, the Xi'an-Qingdao freight train aims to greatly boost domestic trade and logistics by extending China-Europe freight lines to northeastern China.

Partners will continue to exert their advantages to the improve port infrastructures and facilitate custom clearances and the integration of information systems. Extra train services have also been planned to ensure sustainable and normalized logistics channels.

The two ports signed an agreement to integrate their respective logistics and supply chains in May, setting up expedited services to cut logistics cost.

Xi'an Port has always been an important juncture of the Belt and Road Initiative due to its multi-modal transportation infrastructure, including Xi'an Highway Port and China-Europe and China-Asia freight trains.

Xi'an Port in the Xi'an International Trade and Logistics Park in Shaanxi province. [Photo/itl.gov.cn]

Edited by Zachary Dye