The first China-Europe freight train route, the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe railway, has celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The 10th anniversary Yuxinou train awaits departure from Tuanjie Village Station in the municipality of Chongqing. (Photo: Xinhua)

The route went into operation in March 2011, marking a new era for China-Europe railway transport service.

“Ten years ago, Chongqing took the lead in running the China-Europe Railway Express, which opened the prelude to railway transportation across the Eurasian continent," Ba Chuanjiang, director of Chongqing Port Logistics Office, told the China News Service.

Since the launch of the link between Chongqing municipality and the city of Duisburg in Germany, China-Europe freight trains have linked 92 cities through 73 routes, according to 2020 data released by the National Railway Administration.

The China-Europe freight train service boosts trade between China and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

(Compiled by Ruan Ziyan)