Guangzhou launches China-Europe cargo train service to Russia

GUANGZHOU - A cargo train left South China's Guangzhou city Sunday for Vorsino, Kaluzhskaya Oblast in Russia.

It is the latest freight train route China has launched to boost trade ties along the ancient Silk Road.

The train will travel 11,500 km over 14 days before reaching its destination. Its cargo includes garments, shoes, hats, cloth, lamps and lanterns, electrical appliances, and electronics.

Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, has traditionally depended more on maritime freight services. The new cargo train service saves 30 days compared with shipping services, and it costs just a fifth of the price for air transportation.

Kaluzhskaya Oblast has set up a major logistics center in the Vorsino industrial park to handle 150,000 to 350,000 containers a year, according to Russian media reports.

Currently, 26 cities in China offer China-Europe or China-Asia freight train services.