Beijing’s freight corridors are hitting new highs. During China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, the Erenhot Railway Port in Inner Mongolia—the gateway for the Central Route of the China-Europe Railway Express—has seen over 15,000 freight trains pass through. These trains have hauled more than 16.5 million tons of goods under customs supervision, marking a monumental leap in Eurasian connectivity.
Erenhot stands as the largest land port between China and Mongolia, serving as the sole entry and exit point for the Central Route. Train lines operating from this hub surged from 54 in 2021 to 74 by 2025, weaving a vast logistics web. These routes link over 70 cities across more than 10 countries and regions to over 60 Chinese cities, creating a seamless network that bridges domestic and international trade.
This Central Route has evolved into a golden lifeline for cross-border commerce, fostering economic ties across continents. Chinese customs authorities have turbocharged efficiency with smart innovations. Non-intrusive inspection tech enables 24-hour pre-registration clearance channels. Novel business processing modes and a ‘cloud service’ electronic info platform have slashed delays, propelling freight speeds to record levels.
As global supply chains pivot toward resilience, Erenhot’s success underscores China’s pivotal role in redefining overland trade. With volumes soaring, expect this artery to pulse even stronger, fueling growth from Asia to Europe.
