In today's rapidly developing transportation sector, international trade continues to flourish, with rail transport emerging as a crucial mode of conveyance carrying countless dreams and aspirations. Changchun International Land Port, a key transportation hub in Northeast China, has gradually become a vital node in global trade through the China-Europe Railway Express.
Imagine this scene as night falls: Changchun International Land Port illuminated by brilliant lights, with staff busily moving between freight trains, walkie-talkies in hand, coordinating precisely with dispatchers—everything operating like a well-oiled machine. This tableau unfolds like a storybook, revealing the countless untold narratives behind this transportation corridor.
Since its launch in 2015, the Changchun-Manzhouli-Europe Railway Express (Changmanou) has evolved beyond being just a train service. It now serves as a vital bridge connecting Jilin Province with various European nations. As the provincial capital, Changchun plays a central role in this operation.
With the deepening of economic globalization, effective international trade practices have become a focal point for nations worldwide. Changchun, representing Northeast China's traditional industrial base, is courageously exploring paths for Jilin Province's economic transformation and upgrading.
Traditional sea freight often involves lengthy transit times and is susceptible to weather disruptions and port congestion. The China-Europe Railway Express effectively addresses these challenges, offering significant time-efficiency advantages. This rail corridor meets market demands for rapid transportation while substantially reducing logistics costs, enabling Jilin's export products—including auto parts, flooring materials, and glass—to smoothly reach international markets.
The actual operation involves far more than simple transshipment. The entire supply chain encompasses remarkably complex processes, supported by numerous enterprises and individuals working behind the scenes.
Changchun Xinglong Comprehensive Bonded Zone shines as a jewel along this transportation route. Here, trucks move in orderly fashion, containers stand neatly arranged, and cranes and forklifts perform their loading ballet with choreographed precision—all demonstrating a dynamic and efficient economic ecosystem.
"Creation stems from labor," as the saying goes. Here, the hardworking staff serve as crucial drivers of this creative process, their contributions essential to maintaining the corridor's steady progress.
Impressive Growth Metrics
The 2023 operational results of the Changchun-Manzhouli-Europe Railway Express present encouraging figures. In just the first seven months, Changchun alone handled 4,510 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), accounting for 67.79% of total freight volume. Its complementary route, the Changchun-Hunchun-Europe Railway Express (Changhunou), also performed strongly with 890 TEUs, all originating from Jilin Province.
These statistics represent more than dry numbers—they vividly illustrate Jilin Province's growing prominence in international rail freight. As foreign trade expands, the China-Europe Railway Express has increased both frequency and volume. Current services now cover Northeast China's three provinces, the Bohai Rim region, North China, and even extend to multiple Northeast Asian countries.
This expanded network provides Jilin-based enterprises with broader collaborative platforms and enhanced market opportunities. Companies like Fuyao Glass, Kumho Tires, and Continental Electronics have seized these internationalization opportunities to strengthen their global market connections.
Expanding Connectivity
Notably, the sea-rail intermodal service between Changchun and Liaoning Port is developing rapidly, currently operating three weekly departures with plans to achieve daily service by year's end. This expansion extends Jilin's trade radius while offering inland enterprises efficient logistics solutions—fulfilling the original vision of Changchun International Land Port's partnership with Liaoning Port Group: establishing a core inland open economic zone that brings seaport advantages to interior businesses.
The China-Europe Railway Express's rapid development hasn't just boosted Jilin's economy—it's also driving continuous improvement in global logistics networks. In 2023, Changchun's China-Europe Railway ranked 16th nationally among 27 participating provinces and 18th among 79 cities, marking solid progress in Jilin's emergence as an international logistics hub.
Changchun's close cooperation with Harbin has fostered this new paradigm. The two cities are leveraging their respective resources to build an efficient circulation system through comprehensive transportation network planning. This collaboration promotes coordinated development between Changchun International Land Port and Harbin's logistics enterprises, advancing economic integration within the Harbin-Changchun urban cluster to achieve optimal resource allocation.
A Bright Future Ahead
The success of the China-Europe Railway is no accident—it's built upon countless dedicated professionals working behind the scenes. As international economic activities intensify, Jilin Province is participating with open arms. The province's transformation from a traditional industrial base to an international trade hub resembles the mythical phoenix rising from ashes.
Looking ahead, Changchun International Land Port could emerge as an international logistics leader facilitating deeper global exchanges. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, Jilin faces new opportunities and challenges. How to leverage this development momentum represents a critical question for all Jilin residents.
In this remarkable era, Changchun International Land Port serves not just as a logistics hub for Jilin and surrounding regions, but as a vital bridge connecting China with the world economy. As the rail freight network continues improving, Changchun will attract more international headquarters and industrial chain enterprises, injecting fresh momentum into the local economy while creating new business opportunities for sustainable development.
Through the window of the China-Europe Railway Express, we glimpse a promising future. This corridor will continue driving Jilin's export-oriented economic growth while providing boundless possibilities for urban innovation, development, and industrial transformation. Confidently building its golden bridge to the future, Changchun International Land Port stands supported by countless determined individuals—let us all anticipate how far this bridge can take us.
