The horn blares “woo!” and a plume of white smoke rises. Train X8059 is ready to roll! The train will go to Russia. The departure station, China Railway Express (Shenyang) Hub, is the largest consolidation center for China-Europe freight trains in Northeast China and started operating in March. The hub has handled 233 China-Europe freight trains, transporting 19,090 TEUs of cargo as of the end of August. Shenyang East station used to be the main hub for China-Europe freight trains. The new China Railway Express hub is continuously integrating train routes, contributing to the economic and social development of Northeast China.

The duty officer watches train X8059 depart from China Railway Express (Shenyang) Hub in Liaoning Province on Tuesday. Typically, he holds two flags, green for confirming the departure signal and normal operation, while red, if raised, meaning train trouble or other emergency.

Workers inspect the entire train to ensure its safety before departure at China Railway Express (Shenyang) Hub in Liaoning Province on Tuesday.

Two workers direct the gantry crane loading cargo at China Railway Express (Shenyang) Hub in Liaoning Province on Tuesday.

China Railway Express (Shenyang) Hub in Liaoning Province on Tuesday.

China Railway Express (Shenyang) Hub in Liaoning Province on Tuesday.

Two workers chat at the gate of China Railway Express (Shenyang) Hub in Liaoning Province on Tuesday.

Two train conductors lean out from their cab, performing tai chi-like moves signaling the departure of a railway train in Shenyang on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the duty officer stands on the platform in a crisp uniform, waving red or green flags to signal instructions. The conductors gesture back, confirming the message. And they start with a clenched fist, then extend a pinkie to indicate one flag circle. Adding a ring finger signals two flag circles. A third finger joins, marking three flag circles. Finally, they flash an "OK" sign before reentering the cab. Moments later, train X8059 leaves the China Railway Express Shenyang Hub, bound for Moscow and St. Petersburg with 55 containers and 1,130 tons of cargo. (Photos: He Jiahao, produced by He Jiahao and Li Yingying)