On the cross-border logistics channel of the Eurasian continent, a China Europe Central Asia freight train with the Tianshan logo printed on it is steadily speeding westward. From completing its debut in December 2023 to achieving impressive growth in the first eight months of 2026, this young Xinjiang independent brand train is accelerating the pace of westward opening up in the western hinterland.

Tianshan train sets a new operating speed

In the first eight months of 2026, the Tianshan train has shipped a total of 673 trains, driving an import and export trade volume of 11.709 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.66%. During the daily operation phase, more than 2 trains are shipped per day, and during peak hours, 3 trains can be shipped per day. This new train route, which has been in operation for less than three years, has grown into a core logistics carrier for Xinjiang's westward opening. Based on the latest foreign trade data released by Urumqi Customs in August 2026, the import and export volume of Xinjiang to the five Central Asian countries increased by 13.2% year-on-year during the same period. The growth rate of the Tianshan train has already surpassed the overall growth rate of regional foreign trade, becoming the core driving force for cross-border trade growth.

Cross border logistics network continues to weave tightly

At present, Xinjiang, with Urumqi International Land Port Area as the main hub, has built six mature Asia Europe transportation channels, and a cross-border logistics network that connects Central Asia and radiates Europe is continuously improving. The steel camel caravan shuttles day and night on the railway lines of the Eurasian continent, and the operational efficiency of Xinjiang's westward opening continues to improve and accelerate.

From the line running in at the time of the first launch to the stable high-frequency shipping today, the growth track of the Tianshan Train is a vivid epitome of the deep integration of western provinces into the the Belt and Road trade network by relying on their regional advantages, and continues to inject a continuous supply of logistics support for the growth of regional foreign trade.Editor/Cheng Liting