Muhammad Asif Noor
Located in the Qingbaijiang District of Chengdu, the Chengdu International Railway Port stands as a beacon of China’s burgeoning trade connectivity.
Spanning an impressive 31.7 square kilometers, this port is not just a logistical hub but a testament to China’s commitment to expanding its global trade footprint.
As the starting point of the China Railway Express, the port has earned its place as a critical node in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), connecting China to over 110 cities worldwide.
Strategic Location and Global Connectivity
The Chengdu International Railway Port is strategically located in the Qingbaijiang District, a northern suburb of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.
Chengdu’s geographic position in southwestern China makes it a natural gateway for trade routes extending to Europe, Russia, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN countries.
The port’s connectivity is unmatched, with an extensive railway network that facilitates seamless trade across continents.
This international railway passage, combined with a rail-sea intermodal channel, ensures efficient transportation of goods, making Chengdu a vital hub in global logistics.
The port’s significance is further highlighted by its designation as a free trade zone, a national economic and technological development zone, a comprehensive bonded zone, and a national logistics hub.
The port has a huge role in enhancing China’s trade capabilities and integrating the Chinese economy with the global market.
As Sichuan’s only railway freight-oriented national port open to the outside world, it serves as a critical point of entry for various imports, including whole vehicles, meat, and grain, solidifying its status as a key player in China’s international trade strategy.
Economic Impact and Trade Significance
The Chengdu International Railway Port is more than just a transportation hub; it is a powerhouse driving the region’s economic growth.
The port’s focus on three core industries—international supply chain, international trade, and intelligent manufacturing—has attracted significant investment, with nearly 200 major projects worth over RMB 100 billion.
These projects include investments from leading companies such as SF Express, Yuhu (Hong Kong), Hema Fresh, and TCL, transforming the port into a dynamic center for international business.
The port’s role in international trade is further amplified by the presence of over 80% of China’s top 50 domestic supply chain management enterprises.
These companies have established operations at the port, leveraging its strategic location and advanced infrastructure to facilitate global trade.
The port’s container sharing center, multimodal transportation center, and the newly added international container functional zone at Chengxiang Station are just a few examples of the state-of-the-art facilities that have been developed to support the port’s operations.
One of the most significant aspects of the Chengdu International Railway Port is its role in the China Railway Express, which connects Chengdu with Europe and other regions.
This rail network has become the most extensive and stable transportation system, handling the largest volume of goods among similar routes in China.
The port’s ability to maintain this “double first” status in terms of both international and China-Europe trains for four consecutive years is a testament to its operational efficiency and strategic importance.
Historic and Cultural Significance of Qingbaijiang District
The Qingbaijiang District, where the Chengdu International Railway Port is located, is steeped in history and culture. The district was established on July 18, 1960, originally as an industrial zone centered around the Sichuan Chemical Company Limited and Chengdu Iron and Steel Factory.
These enterprises played a pivotal role in transforming the region into an industrial powerhouse, with the production of synthetic ammonia and steel marking significant milestones in Sichuan’s industrial history.
The district’s evolution from an industrial base to a modern logistics hub reflects the broader economic transformation of Chengdu and Sichuan Province.
Despite its industrial roots, Qingbaijiang has managed to preserve its cultural heritage, which is evident in the district’s traditional architecture, temples, and historical sites.
The district’s rich cultural landscape is a blend of old and new, reflecting the broader identity of Chengdu as a city that harmoniously combines its ancient history with rapid modernization.
One of the most prominent cultural landmarks in the district is the Chengdu-Eurasia National (Commodity) Pavilion, located at the core of the Chengdu International Railway Port.
This pavilion serves as a cultural and trade hub, showcasing goods and cultural artifacts from countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.
Covering an area of 107 mu, with a total building area of approximately 34,000 square meters, the pavilion features 34 national pavilions, including those from Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Greece.
The Chengdu-Eurasia National (Commodity) Pavilion is more than just a trade center; it is a platform for cultural exchange that allows visitors to explore the world without leaving Chengdu.
The pavilion’s immersive experience highlights the unique characteristics of Europe, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and other regions, fostering deeper cultural ties between Chengdu and countries along the Belt and Road.
This cultural exchange is a vital aspect of Qingbaijiang’s identity as a district that is not only an economic hub but also a center for international cooperation and understanding.
Transformation and Future Prospects
Qingbaijiang District has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past six decades.
From its origins as an industrial zone, the district has evolved into a key player in China’s global trade network.
The establishment of the Qingbaijiang area of the Sichuan Pilot Free Trade Zone in April 2017 marked a new chapter in the district’s development, positioning it as a national “experimental field” for economic reforms.
Over the past three years, Qingbaijiang has implemented more than 80 reforms, many of which have set benchmarks for nationwide practices, including innovations in transportation, supervision, and local cooperation mechanisms.
The district’s economic growth has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since its establishment, Qingbaijiang’s GDP has increased nearly 2,800 times, from 19 million Yuan to 52.6 billion Yuan in 2019. Similarly, the total investment in fixed assets has grown more than 1,200 times, reaching 36.18 billion Yuan in 2019. These figures reflect the district’s successful transition from an old industrial base to a modern, export-oriented economy.
As Qingbaijiang District celebrates its 60th anniversary, it is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and transformation.
The district is focused on further developing its role as a “Tianfu gateway” and an “open hub,” leveraging its strategic location to enhance its position within the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. By capitalizing on opportunities for regional integration and development, Qingbaijiang is set to become a key driver of Chengdu’s ambition to become an international gateway hub city and a model of sustainable urban development.
And Finally!
The Chengdu International Railway Port is a vital component of China’s global trade strategy, serving as a key hub in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Its strategic location in the Qingbaijiang District of Chengdu, combined with its advanced infrastructure and extensive global connectivity, makes it a cornerstone of international trade.
The district’s rich cultural heritage and its remarkable economic transformation over the past six decades further underscore the significance of the Chengdu International Railway Port.
As Qingbaijiang continues to evolve, it will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of global trade and cultural exchange, solidifying its position as a gateway between China and the world.
*The writer is Editor-In-Chief of The Diplomatic Insight and Director of the Centre for BRI and China Studies at the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies. The writer is currently in China for the 2024 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road, organised by People’s Daily.
