The city of Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province has introduced a new business and consumption model combining the imported goods transported by the China-Europe Railway Express to direct drone deliveries.
On Friday, a special "sugar and wine" freight train with the China-Europe Railway Express, loaded with over 100 types of European imported goods, including German wine, French cheese, and Belgian chocolate, arrived at the Chengdu railway container center station. After its arrival, bonded goods were swiftly transferred and delivered directly to local business circles via drones.
The entire process from arrival and customs clearance to drone delivery can be completed in as fast as 30 minutes.
"The China-Europe Railway Express has transported the imported wines to China, and reduced costs with remarkable customs clearance efficiency. Today, we see the drone delivery. It has showed us how technology is transforming trade services," said Shi Ruifeng, general manager of the Chengdu puwenhui supply chain company.
In August 2024, China launched the country's first pilot delivery mode which combines the China-Europe Railway Express with the low-altitude logistics in the Comprehensive Bonded Zone of Chengdu International Railway Port. Over the past six months, the customs sector has continuously optimized clearance procedures and regulatory plans to ensure the compliant and efficient flow of tax declared goods.
"We have tailored a customs clearance plan specifically for the 'sugar and wine express,' assigned dedicated personnel to provide guidance on customs policies for exhibition goods, and implemented a 24/7 appointment system for customs clearance to ensure the fastest possible inspection and release of exhibits," said Xia Ji, director of the Qingbaijiang customs office within the Chengdu Customs.
Chengdu pioneers direct drone delivery for China-Europe Railway Express imports
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
