China-Europe freight trains drive Jilin's opening-up momentum

Changchun Xinglong Railway Port in the cold winter is in full swing as cranes load containers filled with food, chemicals, and industrial machinery onto the 45508 China-Europe freight train bound for Malaszewicze, Russia. This rail route, Jilin province's first China-Europe corridor, has handled over 90,000 TEUs of cargo valued at 26 billion yuan ($3.56 billion) since its inception.

Jilin has expanded its logistics network with new cross-border corridors, including routes from Changchun to Moscow via Hunchun and Tongjiang. From January to November, the province operated 133 China-Europe freight trains, carrying 14,890 TEUs of cargo – up 24.3 percent and 26.6 percent year over year.

Cold-chain transport has also seen breakthroughs, with the first refrigerated trains carrying Jilin-produced meat to Russia and Germany this year. Meanwhile, Changchun, known as "Auto City", is leveraging its robust industrial base to boost vehicle exports. In November, a train carrying 165 FAW Hongqi cars departed for Russia, marking the 48th automotive shipment to Europe this year.

Efforts to optimize logistics and enhance "two-way freight" efficiency have led to record-breaking returns. From January to November, 28 return trains brought back 3,340 TEUs, a 178.8 percent increase. This "steel camel fleet" has become a vital pillar of Jilin's high-level opening-up and stable international trade.