The number of freight trains running between the Chinese cities of Chongqing and Chengdu to Europe has exceeded 20,000 since the service was launched in 2011 and 2013 respectively.

The China-Europe freight trains handled by the two cities accommodate more than 1,000 kinds of goods, including electronics, machinery, automobiles, auto parts, as well as medicines, and medical instruments.

Rise in China-Europe rail freight

Chinese state media reported that in 2021 alone, Chongqing and Chengdu handled over 4,800 China-Europe cargo trains, accounting for 30% of the national total, with the transported goods worth over 200 billion yuan (US$29.8 billion).

"Chongqing and Chengdu are among the earliest cities in China to start the China-Europe freight train service. As a significant measure in constructing the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, the two cities have cooperated since 2021 to improve the service," Xinhua said.

The report added that the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle is another important regional development strategy, following the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The total number of China-Europe freight train trips from southwest China's Chengdu and Chongqing topped 20,000 on June 30.

Xinhua said major exports include commodities such as mechanical and electrical products, automobiles and components, food and beverage, and clothing, among others.