Since its inaugural run on July 5, the launch of Lanzhou's international freight train service has drawn significant attention and discussion across society. To date, the service has successfully operated four Central Asia-bound freight trains, transporting a total of 183 railcars carrying over 4,000 metric tons of goods with export value exceeding 70 million yuan ($9.8 million). Notably, the August 21 launch of the Lanzhou-Hamburg round-trip freight train marks both a major advancement in China-Europe freight transportation and an important milestone in achieving the municipal government's goal of operating biweekly train services.
The establishment of these international freight routes represents a significant step forward for Lanzhou in building the Silk Road Economic Belt. This initiative enhances Lanzhou's position as a crucial nodal city while laying the foundation for the Lanzhou New Area to become a national platform for westward opening. Aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative's strategic requirements, the Lanzhou International Freight Train service shoulders the responsibility of promoting policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and people-to-people bonds, showcasing the vast potential of Chinese manufacturing to the world.
Lanzhou's development strategy dovetails perfectly with the Belt and Road Initiative's objectives, positioning the city as a key Silk Road Economic Belt node and a vital hub for commercial logistics connecting Central Asia, South Asia, and Europe. In response to widespread enthusiasm for the Belt and Road Initiative, Lanzhou has implemented a three-phase strategy: opening Central Asian markets, capturing South Asian markets, and establishing direct access to European markets—all designed to highlight Lanzhou's geographical advantages in international freight operations.
As one of Shaanxi Province's 42 logistics node cities, Lanzhou boasts extensive railway network resources. The Lanzhou North Marshalling Yard, ranked among China's top ten marshalling facilities, provides critical rail transport connections to Central Asia, South Asia, and Europe. Infrastructure investments totaling 300 million yuan have been made at the Lanzhou New Area North Station, while construction continues at the Gansu New Port Logistics Park. These developments not only provide the necessary hardware for international freight operations but also elevate Lanzhou's status in global logistics networks.
The expanding international freight train services have significantly reduced rail transport distances and improved delivery times between Lanzhou and Central Asian countries. The inaugural freight train, carrying 2,500 metric tons of electromechanical equipment, traveled the 2,683-kilometer route from Lanzhou to Almaty, providing manufacturers with more efficient transportation channels. This achievement owes much to coordinated support from national and local governments, particularly in facilitating smooth customs clearance through collaboration between railway and customs authorities.
Lanzhou Customs has implemented 24-hour appointment-based clearance services for the freight trains, substantially reducing clearance times and costs for businesses. These measures not only enhance connectivity between Lanzhou and global markets but also bolster the international competitiveness of Chinese manufactured goods.
Positioned as both a critical Central Asian transportation hub and a vital gateway to South Asian markets, Lanzhou adds significant momentum to China's Belt and Road strategy. With ongoing improvements to its rail and road networks, Lanzhou's role in the global economy will continue to grow in importance.
