The China-Europe Railway Express, as a significant international rail transport link connecting China and Europe, has emerged as a vital force in promoting the economic and trade ties between the two vast regions. Its story begins with the first tentative step: in 2011, the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe train made its maiden trial run, marking the inception of this remarkable transport corridor. Since then, it has grown by leaps and bounds, weaving a network that spans thousands of miles.

Presently, the China-Europe Railway Express has established three major routes. The western route commences from cities such as Chongqing and Chengdu. These trains wind their way through the heart of Central Asia, traversing vast deserts and steppes, and finally reaching European destinations. The central route typically departs from Zhengzhou, Wuhan, and other central Chinese cities, passing through Russia, with its tracks snaking through the extensive Russian territory. The eastern route mainly starts from Suzhou, Lianyungang, and other eastern coastal cities, passing through Northeast Asia and then entering Europe. These routes cover a wide array of European countries, including economic powerhouses like Germany, France, and Poland, as well as many other countries in between.

The cargo carried by the China-Europe Railway Express is extremely diverse. In the early stages, it was mainly focused on electronic products. However, as the cooperation between China and Europe has deepened, the range of goods has expanded exponentially. There are mechanical and electrical products, which include advanced machinery and precision instruments. Consumer goods form a large part of the transport, with clothing, home appliances, and toys being popular items. Agricultural products also play a crucial role, with Chinese agricultural products like fruits and vegetables finding their way to Europe, and European high-quality agricultural products such as premium milk powder, fine wine, and top-grade meat being transported to China. Additionally, automotive parts are also part of the cargo, as the automotive industry in both regions benefits from this efficient transport link. This rich variety of goods ensures a vibrant exchange between the two markets.

Economically, the China-Europe Railway Express has brought about profound changes. For Chinese enterprises, it has opened up new frontiers in overseas market expansion. Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, have found a new avenue to showcase their products. Traditional shipping methods often have limitations, but the China-Europe Railway Express offers a more flexible and reliable option. It has also spurred the development of domestic logistics and related industries, creating numerous job opportunities. In Europe, it has provided a more stable and efficient transportation solution. It has reduced the reliance on other transportation means and guaranteed the timely arrival of goods, which is of great importance for European businesses to maintain their production and supply chains. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the China-Europe Railway Express stood out as a pillar of the global supply chain. It continued to operate without interruption, ensuring that essential goods were ferried between China and Europe, which was instrumental in stabilizing the economies of both regions.

In the future, the China-Europe Railway Express is poised for even more remarkable progress. There will be efforts to further expand the route network, connecting more cities. This will enable more regions to participate in the economic cooperation between China and Europe. Digitalization and intelligence will be increasingly integrated into its operation, enhancing efficiency. International cooperation will be strengthened, with more countries joining hands to leverage the opportunities presented by the China-Europe Railway Express. It will not only continue to facilitate the flow of goods but also promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges. As a bridge between China and Europe, it will continue to drive the common development and prosperity of the two sides, fostering a closer and more mutually beneficial relationship in the years to come.