The number of China-Europe freight trains passing through the central corridor of the China-Europe Railway Express in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has exceeded 3,000 so far this year, achieving this milestone 39 days earlier than last year.
The freight train marking the 3,000th passage departed from Inner Mongolia's Erenhot port on Wednesday, carrying auto parts, daily necessities, and other goods.
As a pivotal entry-exit point for the central corridor of the China-Europe Railway Express, the Erenhot port currently serves 74 routes linking over 60 cities across 24 Chinese provincial-level regions to more than 70 cities or stations in more than 10 countries, including Germany and Poland.
Erenhot has recorded more than 21,000 entry-and-exit China-Europe freight trains since the launch of its service in 2013.
China-Mongolia border port handles over 3,000 China-Europe freight trains this year
Director of the 2025 China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala Yu Lei took part in the torch relay for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Rome on Saturday.
The relay began at the Stadio dei Marmi on Saturday morning, marking the start of a two-month journey ahead of next year's opening ceremony.
"In 2022, I was very fortunate to be part of the core creative team for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Winter Olympics. The experience, especially witnessing the Milan-Cortina eight-minute presentation at the closing ceremony, is still vivid in my memory. It was broadcast worldwide through CMG. Being here in Rome today for the torch relay, I hope the Olympic spirit and the brilliance of the Winter Olympics will continue from Beijing to Milan," Yu said.
The opening leg of the torch relay began at Rome's Stadio dei Marmi and stretched about 30 kilometers, passing several historic landmarks.
Locals lined the streets to witness the event, proudly celebrating Rome's role in carrying forward the Olympic flame.
"I like it (the torch relay). Rome is an international metropolis that can host all these types of events," said Antonio, an Italian spectator.
The torch will traverse 12,000 kilometers over 60 days across Italy, passing through more than 300 municipalities, featuring celebrations in 60 cities, reaching all 110 Italian provinces, and lighting up UNESCO sites along the route.
More than 10,000 torchbearers from all walks of life will take part in the journey, including figures from the worlds of sports, culture, film, and civil society.
The relay will conclude on February 6 at Milan's San Siro Stadium.
CMG Spring Festival Gala director takes part in Winter Olympics torch relay in Rome
