The China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base has handled more than 20,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo since the start of 2026, with more than 240 China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains dispatched, according to Nanjing Customs.
Since its official launch in July 2014 as the first physical project under the Belt and Road Initiative, the base has operated more than 7,744 China-Europe (Asia) freight trains, carrying more than 667,000 TEUs of containers.
It now runs six international rail routes covering Central Asia, China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan, China-Russia and the Trans-Caspian corridor, with access to five outbound ports including Alashankou and Khorgos.
The rail network serves multiple destinations across Asia and Europe, transporting a wide range of goods including automobiles and auto parts, chemical products, household appliances, textiles and garments, and electronic equipment.
The base plays a vital role in ensuring stable industrial and supply chains for Belt and Road partner countries and continues to support high-quality economic development across the Eurasian region.
China-Kazakhstan logistics base handles over 20,000 TEUs in early 2026
Hong Kong's first astronaut lifted off into space on Sunday, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for space exploration in the special administrative region, while inspiring a new generation to look to the stars.
The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 23:08 (Beijing Time) on Sunday. The crew members include Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut and payload specialist from Hong Kong to join a national space mission, whose achievements have motivated many Hong Kong residents.
"I feel so happy and thrilled. This is the first time a Hong Kong astronaut has gone to space, and to see a true Hong Konger, who is also a mother of three, just really touches my heart," said Chow, a local resident.
The successful spaceflight of Lai has especially captivated the younger generation to dream bigger about the future.
"I want to be an astronaut, because I want to discover more things about space," said a young student surnamed Chow.
"I have seen things related to spaceflights of astronauts. I hope when I grow up, I could receive training and go to space myself," said another student surnamed Koo.
To meet public expectations, the Hong Kong Space Museum has updated its space-themed exhibition with the latest development of the Shenzhou-23 mission, extending the display until July 6. Parents are seizing the moment to enrich their children's knowledge.
"At his age, I want him to be exposed to a wide range of information. With all the recent astronaut news, I brought him here specially to see for himself. We will also check out a film about space knowledge at the planetarium. I hope he can get more out of this from an early age," said Cheung, a father.
"We just watched the Shenzhou-23 launch at home with my son last night, and decided to take him to the Space Museum," a mother surnamed Chun shared.
"I saw on TV that so many people were cheering for the launch. When the rocket was launched, fire burst out from its body. I was really happy they succeeded," said Chun's son.
Hong Kong's first astronaut ignites citywide enthusiasm over space exploration
