A customized China-Europe freight train departed from Jinan, Shandong province on Sept 11, headed for St. Petersburg, Russia.

The train, operated by Shandong Hi-Speed Group, carries 55 standard containers of cardboard produced in Shandong, worth a total value of 14.08 million yuan ($1.98 million). It will pass through the Khorgos Port and is expected to arrive in St. Petersburg in 20 days.

The operation of these customized trains highlights Jinan's efforts to enhance its service capabilities as a transportation hub.

In the first eight months, Jinan handled 736 China-Europe freight trains. The city launched freight train services to Laos and various cross-Caspian Sea trains while maintaining routes to Russia, Europe and Central Asia. It also developed a train brand focusing on goods along the Yellow River in Shandong, which has transported over 20,000 standard containers to date.

The Jinan hub for China-Europe freight trains has further expanded its services, including improving connectivity across freight terminals. New business models have been developed, with regular operations in cross-border e-commerce, cold-chain logistics, and other services. It has supported several thousand enterprises, attracting more than 30 new enterprises in Jinan.

A customized China-Europe freight train departs from Jinan, Shandong province, on Sept 11 for St. Petersburg, Russia. [Photo/Jinan International Communication Center]