Alashankou, also known as Alataw Pass, a key railway hub in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Saturday handled its 1,000th China-Europe (Central Asia) freight train in 2026.

The milestone, which was reached 11 days earlier than 2025, signals a strong start to China's foreign trade this year.

The train, carrying auto parts, electronic products and other goods, departed the port for Malaszewicze, Poland.

The China Railway Urumqi Bureau says it has improved coordination and enhanced real-time monitoring of train operations to boost service and efficiency.

"As the Spring Festival approaches, the port is experiencing a surge in freight traffic. We have optimized transport plans, coordinated train schedules more efficiently. With an average of 22 China-Europe freight trains passing through daily, we are fully committed to maintaining safe and efficient customs clearance during the holiday season," said Zhang Yubin, who heads the Technical Department of the Alashankou port.

The port has now claimed 128 routes of freight services passing it, connecting China with 21 countries, including Germany and Poland.
It handles goods across 200 distinct categories.

Located on the border with Kazakhstan, the Alashankou port serves as a key transportation corridor linking China with Central Asia and Europe. The launch of the first China-Europe freight train service in 2011 transformed China's northwestern border region into a frontier for the country's opening-up efforts.