Nigeria Times

By Shi Ling, People’s Daily

The three-hare symbol – depicting three hares chasing each other in an eternal circle, each sharing an ear with the next to create a tripartite symmetry – has captivated the imagination of historians and artists across civilizations.

This visually striking symbol appears not only in the ancient murals of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China’s Gansu province, but also on metalwork in Afghanistan, ceramics in Egypt, and tile paintings in the United Kingdom. 

Its recent prominence at the fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations sparked strong resonance among international participants.

Born in ancient Dunhuang, the three hares silently witness the vibrant cultural and commercial exchanges that flourished along the Silk Road. Today, the symbol continues to inspire new narratives of cross-cultural dialogue. 

From the Digital Dunhuang platform to international art exhibitions, from exported conservation techniques to the expanding field of Dunhuang studies worldwide, more and more people contribute to preserving this cultural treasure. These efforts continuously revitalize Dunhuang’s heritage in the modern era.

The three-hare symbol,exemplifies Dunhuang’s role in historical cultural integration. Greco-Roman Ionic columns alongside Gandhara/Gupta influenced murals in the Mogao Grottoes demonstrate China’s historical openness. Manuscripts recording Persia, Sogdiana, India, and other distant regions provide tangible evidence of peaceful Silk Road exchange.

As a crossroads of civilizations, Dunhuang embodies Chinese culture’s inclusive spirit. From the bustling caravans of the past to today’s expanding cultural exchanges, the long-running Dunhuang story continues, illuminating the enduring spirit of Chinese civilization.

As the ancient paths give way to modern corridors, this legacy gains renewed vitality. The soft jingle of camel bells has given way to the rumble of high-speed trains; sailing ships have been replaced by container vessels; and an aerial Silk Road now connects distant lands through trade and cooperation. China has joined hands with over 150 Belt and Road partner countries, breathing new life into the ancient trade route.

China’s diplomatic philosophy, grounded in the belief that “unity brings strength, while isolation leads to weakness,” advocates for mutual benefit, trust, harmony, and good neighborliness. It reflects a commitment to common development and shared prosperity.

True cultural prosperity emerges through exchanges and mutual appreciation. While the three-hare symbol appears in different countries with a common structure, each version presents its own artistic interpretation. On the ceiling of Cave 407 of Mogao Grottoes, the hares are surrounded by flying apsaras and lotus flowers, brimming with vitality and elegance. In the stained-glass windows of Germany’s Paderborn Cathedral, they take on the distinctive forms of Gothic art. These cultural variations highlight how exchanges foster both preservation and reinvention.

As humanity faces shared challenges and aspirations, culture understanding plays a crucial role in guiding development and sustaining peace. Dialogue among civilizations is more essential than ever.

And the three-hare symbol is not alone. Over 2,000 years ago, following the groundbreaking westward journey of royal emissary Zhang Qian in China’s Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD), the pomegranate was introduced to China. Today, six pomegranate trees flourish in the China-Central Asia Friendship Forest in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi province, a living symbol of solidarity and mutual growth. 

History brings hearts closer, and cultural inheritance strengthens cooperation. May the music of the Silk Road continue to echo across generations, the tree of friendship remain evergreen, the flowers of civilization bloom in harmony, and the fruits of shared progress be enjoyed by all.

By Yao Xueqing, People’s Daily

Wuxi National Hi-tech District (WND) ranks among Jiangsu province’s hubs for foreign-invested enterprises in Eastern China. It hosts 170 European enterprises from Germany, France, Poland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, with cumulative European investment exceeding 15 billion euros ($17.14 billion). 

Recent insights gathered by People’s Daily reporters reveal key factors behind European companies’ successful partnerships in WND.

“Twenty years ago, when executives from our German headquarters visited China, the country’s auto industry was still in its infancy,” said Erich J. Koch, general manager of Gaudlitz Precision Technology (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. (Gaudlitz Precision). 

“What attracted us was the immense potential of the Chinese market, and in 2004, our headquarters made the strategic decision to invest in China – our very first overseas production base,” Koch said. 

“China’s auto industry has since experienced rapid growth, with the number of vehicles on the road rising sharply,” Koch noted. “Our judgment was spot on. The decision to invest in China has proven to be absolutely right.” 

China’s transition from automotive scale to strength has reinforced Gaudlitz Precision’s commitment to the market. Since its establishment, this automotive parts manufacturing company’s annual revenue has grown by 5 to 15 percent, making it a leader in its niche segment.

At the same time, WND has continuously improved its business environment, offering strong support and practical solutions to help enterprises grow with confidence.

Bucher Hydraulics (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Bucher Industries, settled in Wuxi in 2018, drawn by China’s vast market potential in sectors such as construction machinery, automotive aftermarket, and materials handling.

“Some of the pro-business policies in Wuxi are incredibly convenient. For example, to update business registration details, requires only a photo of the passport holder – a fully digital process eliminating the need for multiple visits. The entire process can be done online, saving us the hassle of multiple trips,” said Reinhold Frank Muehlon, an executive of Bucher Hydraulics.

Zhang Xiaojun, general manager of Hunting Energy Services (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of a UK-based technology firm, emphasized the importance of intellectual property protection for tech companies. “Wuxi boasts a market-oriented and world-class business environment governed by a sound legal framework. We’ve received strong legal protection and the confidence to innovate,” he said. “We can truly feel that intellectual property is respected and protected here. That’s the fertile ground where companies can thrive.”

French company TLD Group, a global leader in airport ground support equipment, established its Wuxi manufacturing base in 2008. The facility now serves as TLD Group’s primary Asia-Pacific production hub. Chief operating officer Wu Jianqiang of the company believes the district’s sound industrial ecosystem is a key factor in the company’s growth.

“China is the world’s largest manufacturing powerhouse, with the most complete industrial system globally. The Yangtze River Delta region, in particular, has one of the most comprehensive manufacturing landscapes,” Wu said. 

Take a cargo loader for instance, he explained, it consists of thousands of components including the frame, cab, covers, and brackets, supplied by over 100 first-tier suppliers. All of these key suppliers can be found in China, and 95% are located within Wuxi and its surrounding one-hour radius.

Today, WND boasts a comprehensive range of industries and a robust industrial ecosystem, attracting an increasing number of multinational corporations to scale up their presence. Many are building flagship factories and headquarters here, accelerating the formation of world-class industrial clusters.

In March 2023, Schneider Electric launched its China research and development (R&D) center in Wuxi, the company’s fifth R&D center in China. In November the same year, it broke ground on a green smart industrial park in Wuxi. The first phase will cover 68,000 square meters and is scheduled to put into operation by the end of 2025.

“Wuxi is driving industrial growth through technological innovation, with a strategic focus on frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence and emerging industries,” said Hu Xiao, senior vice president of Schneider Electric. “It is working to build a globally influential high-tech hub. This gives us a great opportunity to innovate and reinforces our confidence in the Chinese market.”

WND has seen its pillar industries including the Internet of Things, integrated circuits, biomedicine, and intelligent equipment each surpass the 100-billion-yuan ($13.93 billion) mark. High-tech output now accounts for over 80% of the total industrial output of enterprises above the designated size in the district.

Over three years, WND has provided comprehensive talent support policies and incentives to 35 European enterprises, benefiting nearly 2,000 employees. It has also helped high-level talent resolve issues such as children’s education, enabling them to settle down. With its strong industrial foundation, vibrant innovation ecosystem, and abundant talent pool, WND is fast becoming a powerhouse of innovation.

By Xu Yuyao, He Jiahao, People’s Daily

This year has witnessed a significant transformation in the vegetation coverage encircling Lhasa, the capital of southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region, located at an average altitude of 3,650 meters.

From the vantage point of the iconic Potala Palace, the hills flanking the Lhasa River are now adorned with vibrant greenery. During summer months, the southern and northern mountains of Lhasa are clothed in lush vegetation, attracting numerous visitors who like to stroll through the verdant scenery, frequently pausing to capture photographic moments.

Mejor, a forest maintenance worker in the ecological restoration area of the Lhalu Wetland on the northern mountain of Lhasa, still remembers the first tree he planted: a Chinese scholar tree. However, initial confidence was scarce among the workers.

In his memory, the southern and northern mountains presented a persistently barren visage. “Can trees even survive up there?” he and his colleagues frequently questioned in those early stages of the project.

Ensuring sapling survival rates required scientifically selecting appropriate species. Following extensive field researc, the project team identified 12 native species renowned for cold and drought resistance. Today, those carefully selected varieties now blanket the once-barren slopes.

“In recent years, vegetation coverage on the mountainous areas surrounding Lhasa has markedly increased, paralleled by a resurgence in wildlife,” said Kelsang Norbu, head of Lhasa’s forestry and grassland bureau. 

Since the official launch of a greening project for the southern and northern mountains, over 1.079 million mu (about 71,93 hectares) of forests have been planted, with more than 120 million seedlings taking root. Norbu further indicated that the overall survival rate of these seedlings exceeds 85 percent.

Notable wildlife such as red deer, bharal, foxes, wolves, and macaques have returned to the area. The project has not only improved the ecological environment but also enhanced biodiversity, creating a more livable natural space for both residents and tourists.

“The first tree I planted has grown over seven meters tall,” Mejor said. “I often wonder how big it’ll be when our children come to see it one day.”

Beyond cultivating trees, the project has yielded significant expertise. Gesturing toward freshly planted saplings on a nearby slope, Norbu explained that over the past three years, the team has developed a comprehensive system of techniques encompassing seedling selection, cultivation, planting and maintenance. “We’re now working with universities to standardize and replicate these practices in other regions,” he said.

Maintaining this burgeoning green cover presents considerable challenges. Workers navigate narrow mountain footpaths, and steeper sections require scrambling on all fours. Tsering Baxi, part of the maintenance team for the No. 2 restoration zone of the southern and northern mountains greening project in Nyangrain Valley, Chengguan district of Lhasa, has traversed such paths for four years.

Workers excavate tree pits in rocky slopes – where shovel’s often strikes solid bedrock, and carry soil uphill in baskets. During initial phases, watering even required manually hauling hoses up mountainsides.

Technological advancements, however, have recently alleviated the burden. “Now, a drone can deliver soil directly to the hillside in one minute,” Tsering Baxi said. “This method is not only substantially faster but also significantly safer.”

The project also employs smart water-saving irrigation systems, improving water efficiency and protecting soil structure from saturation-related degradation.

So far, the project has created more than 9 million job opportunities, contributing to income growth exceeding 2.9 billion yuan ($404.12 million). This confluence of ecological enhancement and socioeconomic support epitomizes a dual-win situation: promoting environmental restoration while bolstering livelihoods, expanding green coverage while boosting sustainable development.

Nearly 40 tree species have been planted in the Lhasa Liangdao Ecological Park, where landscaping workers nurture young trees with meticulous care, akin to tending children, ensuring their robust growth in the challenging high-altitude climate of the Qinghai-Xizang plateau.

Southern Mountain Park, located on the southern bank of the Lhasa River, has become a popular urban destination. With its dense forest cover and year-round scenic beauty, the park now receives 3,000 to 5,000 visitors daily, and as many as 18,000 during public holidays. It has become a multifunctional space integrating recreation, tourism, and fitness.

Today, Lhasa’s residents now inhabit an environment characterized by expanding verdure. The city administers 13 nature reserves, covering a total area of 818,900 hectares. This year, plans are underway to build 19 new ecological corridors and upgrade six pocket parks.

“Ecological improvement elevates quality of life,” said Donqa, a senior citizen in Lhasa. “We’ve all become more mindful of the plants around us, wanting this greenery to stay and brighten our lives for years to come.”

The project’s long-term ecological benefits are becoming increasingly evident. Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly enhance regional ecosystem. Preliminary estimates suggest that it will increase annual water retention capacity by about 49.8 million tons, capture 229,100 tons of carbon dioxide, release 193,000 tons of oxygen, preserve 27,100 tons of soil nutrients, and generate an estimated annual ecological value of 1.485 billion yuan.

By Aerdake, People’s Daily

Located in the southernmost part of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Hotan is renowned for its rich jade resources, historically serving as a pivotal hub in the ancient jade trade.

Inside the Hotan Jade Museum, an antiquated, hand-drawn map entitled Ancient Jade Trade Routes traces the long history of jade commerce. While the Silk Road dates back more than 2,000 years, the Jade Road extends over 6,000 years into antiquity. Radiating from Hotan, this network stretched east through Gansu, Ningxia, Shanxi and Henan, while forging westward pathways across Central Asia to the Mediterranean coast. This ancient corridor not only enabled thriving East-West trade but also served as a primary bridge for cross-cultural exchange.

Today, four regulated jade markets line the Yulong Kashgar River Avenue. “Ten years ago, this area was primarily characterized by roadside stalls. Today, these markets have significantly expanded and professionalized,” said Shi Peihong, head of the Hotan jade protection and development center.

Inside the bustling markets, rows of jade vendors engage in discerning discussions with customers about jade texture and grain patterns. International collectors frequent these markets, seeking deeper understanding of Hotan jade’s historical significance.

Academic sources from Uzbekistan indicate references to Hotan jade dating back to 2000 B.C., while archaeological evidence reveals the presence of Hotan jade from the Stone Age unearthed in ancient Babylon, Syria, and regions across Central Asia.

The robust jade trade along the Yulong Kashgar River continues to thrive. “The presence of international buyers in Hotan’s markets is commonplace. We often host visitors from Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. Despite diverse cultural backgrounds, their expressions convey a profound appreciation and sophisticated understanding of jade,” said Chen Huanhui, general manager of a jewelry company.

Esteemed jade carver Nie Mingli recounted a personal testament to jade’s transnational reach during a motorcycle journey last year. Departing from Xinjiang’s Horgos Port, he traversed Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. To his surprise, he often came across Hotan jade artworks along the route – tangible evidence of jade’s role as a cultural bridge transcending geographic boundaries.

At a restaurant in Kyrgyzstan, a prominently displayed jade vessel caught his eye. Upon recognizing Nie as Chinese, the restaurant owner enthusiastically gave a thumbs-up to express his admiration for Chinese jade artistry.

“There’s no doubt that Hotan jade is one of the most iconic symbols of Chinese culture,” Nie said.

Further enriching Hotan’s cultural narrative, the Kunlun Stories Museum showcases the evolution of jade culture from the Neolithic era to the present. Founded by jade enthusiast Zhang Wei, the museum has welcomed tens of thousands of Chinese domestic and international visitors and scholars.

Zhang observed that visitors from Pakistan and Uzbekistan exhibit particular fascination with jade artifacts originating from the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains and the Tarim River Basin. “These interactions significantly reinforce our recognition of jade culture’s unique role as a bridge for cross-cultural exchanges,” Zhang said.

Following the rise of the Silk Road, the western route from Hotan extensively overlapped with the ancient Jade Road. But Hotan’s historical significance in cultural exchanges extends beyond jade. Over a millennium ago, Hotan residents had already achieved mastery in sericulture and silk weaving. Locally produced silk became a prized commodity along the Silk Road, with the famed Etles silk enjoying particular renown.

Historical records indicate that while the silk production techniques of Etles silk originated in China’s Central Plains, its distinctive dyeing and weaving methods emerged through a fusion of Central Asian craftsmanship and local expertise in Hotan and Kashgar.

Jiya township in Hotan is acclaimed as the “Hometown of Etles Silk,” where the community still meticulously preserves ancient tie-dye techniques and employs traditional wooden looms. 

A manager of a local Etles silk workshop said that she regularly receives visitors and traders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. “They’re always eager to photograph and record the weaving process, hoping to adapt these techniques for artisans within their respective countries,” she said.

Mulat, a 28-year-old native of Jiya township, immersed in Etles traditions since childhood, established a trade company after university. This month, he presented a collection of modern Etles silk products at the 2025 Central Asia (Khorgos) Commodity and Trade Expo. “There’s strong demand in Central Asia for Etles silk that combines modern design with affordable prices. We see great potential for future cooperation,” he said.

From the ancient Jade Road to the Silk Road, from the enduring legacy of Hotan jade to the intricate artistry of Etles silk, Hotan’s profound historical tapestry is intrinsically interwoven with deep-rooted traditions of cross-cultural engagement. Within this storied region, the enduring narrative of mutual learning and shared prosperity between civilizations continues to unfold anew.

By Zheng Yangyang, People’s Daily

On a summer day at Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, well known as the Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County, Shuozhou, north China’s Shanxi province, visitors were appreciating the ancient structure. Suddenly, the rhythmic tapping of metallic feet drew a curious crowd – a silver robotic dog climbed the steps and entered the pagoda, performing a high-precision scan of the building with millimeter-level accuracy.

Built in 1056, the Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County is the tallest and oldest wooden multi-story structure in the world. Having withstood the weathering of nearly a millennium, the structure has developed a slight tilt and now requires enhanced preservation measures. 

To address challenges such as the inadequate precision of manual surveying and the risk of damage from physical contact, the local government partnered with Tsinghua University’s School of Architecture to launch a smart preservation program, with the primary focus on enhancing cultural heritage preservation with the help of robotic dogs.

With steady mechanical steps, the robot began its work. A rotating camera mounted on its head captured intricate patterns in the tower’s carved ceilings, while an array of sensors flashed. Its 3D vision system recorded detailed surface data from overhead structures.

“The carved ceiling is several meters above the ground. Collecting data manually would take a great amount of time and energy. With the assistance of the robotic dog, the process would become much more accurate and efficient,” said Xing Chunqi, an architect at the Robotics Lab of Lenovo Research.

Developed by Chinese multinational technology company Lenovo, the robotic dog integrates cutting-edge technologies such as deep learning algorithms, multimodal sensing systems, and bionic motion control. 

Meanwhile, Lenovo has collaborated with the Tsinghua University-Palace Museum Joint Research Center for Cultural Heritage to apply robotic dogs in the preservation of the pagoda. “We capture 2D images from four angles of each pillar, then apply 3D reconstruction and AI training to comprehensively restore the structure,” Xing explained.

Leveraging this technology, the Tsinghua team has completed a high-precision 3D digital modeling of the pagoda’s coffered ceiling structure, providing support for in-depth data analysis and preservation planning.

Future applications include automated patrols. “In heritage conservation, it is crucial to resist fire and corrosion,” Xing explained. Equipped with a dual-light imaging system, the robotic dog can monitor heat sources in real time and issue alerts automatically if temperatures exceed a threshold, he added.

“The small robotic dog is equipped with two onboard computers. Upon detecting something abnormal during a patrol, it can transmit the information to a central server. Some robotic dogs can even process the situation before making real-time decisions,” he added.

Moreover, robotic dogs are capable of performing “health checkups” on ancient buildings. Working in pairs, one emits X-rays while the other receives them, allowing for non-invasive internal assessments of wood decay and cracks. “This avoids radiation exposure to humanity. Through time-series analysis, the system can compare data from past scans and automatically flag minor changes like deformation in wooden components or flaking paint,” Xing noted.

Recent years have seen local government advance digitization initiatives for the pagoda. In a digital exhibition hall near the building, visitors can virtually travel back in time to experience the pagoda’s construction by wearing VR headsets. 

“We’re establishing a digital twin of the structure through technological means, allowing visitors to climb the tower virtually to enhance their experience,” said Cheng Xiaoli, deputy head of the management and preservation center of the pagoda.

“We haven’t deployed robotic dogs on a regular basis,” said Cheng. “But we anticipate their widespread adoption to enable cultural heritage preservation in the coming future.”

By Lyu Jiuhai, Xian Gan, An Bowen, People’s Daily

Perched on the Nagqu Plateau in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region at an average elevation of 4,650 meters, fierce winds drive massive turbines at the Omatinga Wind Farm.

For 21-year-old maintenance engineer Chang Jianrui, daily duties involve ascending turbine interiors via an elevator before climbing nearly 20 meters on service ladders to conduct critical inspections and performance tests. 

Despite Xizang’s rich wind resources, as China’s highest-altitude prefecture-level city, Nagqu historically faced severe grid limitations due to its extreme geography and climate. Winter Blackouts always happened in winter and winds often exceeded level 10. 

The roaring winds, though considered as a resource, also posed major challenges for wind farm construction.

In January 2024, the 100 MW Omatinga Wind Farm was put into operation in Nagqu by China Energy Investment Corporation. At its launch, it stood as the world’s largest ultra-high-altitude wind power installation. The facility generates approximately 200 million kWh of clean electricity annually, sufficient to power 230,000 households year-round.

Beneath the turbines, Gen-Z technician Zhang Haoyu crouched to inspect low-lying vegetation. To minimize ecological impact on the plateau’s fragile ecosystem, Zhang and his team have worked hard to restore grass cover around each turbine base. “We’re not just here to light up homes. We’re here to protect the environment,” Zhang emphasized in an interview.

Youth drives the facility’s operations: employees under 35 now make up over 84% of the Omatinga’s workforce. Chen Yang, a fellow Gen-Z maintenance engineer originally from Sichuan’s Neijiang City, represents this new generation. “We young professionals aspire to make meaningful contributions,” Chen stated.

Late last year, a few turbine blades were damaged by lightning. Maintenance specialist Chen ascended nearly 100 meters on a suspended platform amid -20°C temperatures and high winds to conduct repairs with his team..

“My nose ran constantly from the wind, but we prioritized swift repairs to restore household electricity,” This commitment reflects the team’s guiding principle: “The more power we generate, the more the local communities benefit.” This echos drives the young workforce to maintain seamless operations across turbines, grids, and substations.

How do they keep turbines running smoothly?

Initially, operators relied on visual checks. “If a blade stopped rotating, we’d drive to investigate immediately,” Chang recalled.

Now, however, Omatinga Wind Farm uses an intelligent monitoring system. Its self-developed real-time diagnostic platform and cluster control system transmit blade performance and other data to a central control room. Power output is allocated by predictive algorithms.

“Now, the central control screen displays the status of all 25 turbines in real time, which saves a ton of time and effort,” said Chang. These days, most potential issues are caught and addressed remotely; only major faults require on-site maintenance.

At 34, Kunsang Tashi ranks among the facility’s most experienced team members. Since joining the industry in 2014, he has supervised maintenance while modeling high-altitude adaptation – reminding colleagues to hydrate and use supplemental oxygen when necessary.”

Young technicians here demonstrate remarkable innovation, capability, and plateau resilience,” Kunsang observed. “We encourage more youth, especially locals, to advance this legacy.”

By Zhu Peixian, Gao Bing, Liu Xinwu, People’s Daily

China-Europe freight trains have completed over 110,000 trips, transporting goods worth more than $450 billion. More than 1,000 trains have been operated in a single month for 46 consecutive months. These impressive figures reflect the steady growth of this international logistics corridor.

Widely recognized for efficiently delivering Chinese-made products to Europe, these freight trains are also bringing a diverse range of high-quality goods back to China, creating new economic opportunities for countries along the route. 

The impact of this exchange is visible at Zhengzhou East Railway Station in central China. A  1,000-square-meter supermarket in its waiting hall features imported products transported via the freight trains – including German dairy products, French wines, and Italian coffee beans.

“I wanted something special for my daughter after days of travel,” said Mr. Zhang, a traveler browsing at the checkout counter. He proudly displayed two beetle-shaped candy thins decorated with French writing, along with a music box from the United Kingdom containing a hidden chocolate surprise.

Zhengzhou East Station accommodates around 120,000 passengers daily. In addition to the supermarket, the other two shops offer thousands of imported products – from food and household items to health products – at competitive prices, making them popular stops for travelers.

Zhengzhou has become a major hub for the China-Europe freight train service. The city operates 11 regular outbound routes that connect directly with over 130 cities across more than 30 countries. A robust logistics ecosystem has taken shape, involving more than 6,000 Chinese and international partners to facilitate the transport of over 1,000 commodity types.

In Xi’an, capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi province, another import-driven retail model is thriving. At Xi’an Chanba International Port, a store run by Xi’an Aiju Grain and Oil Industrial Group attracts a steady stream of customers. At one counter, staff serve fresh, hand-pulled noodles topped with sizzling chili oil. “Central Asian flour meets Shaanxi spices. What a combination!” exclaimed local resident Wang Yongzhao.

Aiju has established a grain processing base in North Kazakhstan Region, sourcing high-quality wheat and oil products that are shipped to China via China-Europe freight trains for further processing and sale. The company has also introduced contract farming in the region, guiding farmers on crop selection and acreage. In the initial phase, 1.5 million mu (around 100,000 hectares) of farmland was brought under cultivation.

One beneficiary is Bauyrzhan, a Kazakh farm owner. “In the past, our grain had no reliable market, and prices were unstable,” he said. “Now we’ve made full use of idle land, and we no longer worry about where to sell the harvest.”

By the end of June 2024, Aiju had imported 400,000 tons of wheat, flour, and edible oil from Kazakhstan.

At dawn on June 18, rows of containers bearing the the distinctive “Yuxinou” logo (denoting Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe rail route) stood ready at Tuanjie Village Central Railway Station in southwest China’s Chongqing municipality. Among them was a shipment of vibrant red sedans from Germany, destined for bonded warehouses at the Chongqing rail port. After customs clearance, inspection, and registration, the vehicles would be delivered to dealerships across western China.

Since 2014, more than 40,000 cars have arrived in Chongqing via China-Europe freight trains, supplying dealerships in over ten provinces in China’s southwest and northwest regions.

“Previously, imported cars came by sea from Hamburg, Germany, through the Suez Canal to Shanghai, and then overland to Chongqing. The entire process took about 35 days,” said Tan Renyun, a marketing manager at Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics Co., Ltd. “Now, the train reduces that time to around 16 days. While marginally costlier than sea freight, the significant time savings offer distinct advantages.”

Just days later, those same cars were parked at a dealership in downtown Chongqing. After a test drive, consumer Mr. Zhang promptly placed an order. “The delivery speed surpassed my expectations,” he said.

As the world’s largest auto market, China continues to offer compelling opportunities for global automakers. “Chinese consumers are increasingly looking for high-end vehicles,” said one auto dealer. “The freight trains help us bring the latest models to market faster. We’re planning to set up a regional distribution center in Chongqing to improve efficiency even further.”

Driven by efficient logistics and robust demand, the variety of inbound goods on China-Europe freight trains continues to expand. In 2024, the value of return goods handled by Chongqing trains reached $1.6 billion, with high-end items like vehicles, electronics, and machinery parts accounting for over 45 percent.