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Chengdu Launches First South Corridor Return Train from Izmir, Turkey

On April 16, it was announced that a China-Europe South Corridor train, carrying 50 containers of home appliances, has departed from Izmir, Turkey. The train travels via the "Middle Corridor," crosses the Caspian Sea, and enters China through the Khorgos port. Upon its arrival at the Chengdu International Railway Port, it will seamlessly connect with an eastbound train for onward shipment to Shanghai. This inaugural service marks the first time the south corridor's return route has been interconnected with the eastbound corridor, representing another significant breakthrough for the China-Europe international logistics channel.

In recent years, the Chengdu International Railway Port has continuously deepened its development of the China-Europe South Corridor. In 2025, it successfully established a product system featuring complementary rail-sea intermodal and all-rail services that cross the Caspian Sea and the "Two Seas" (Caspian and Black Seas). Notably, the transit time for the China-Europe Express (Chengdu-Chongqing) south corridor express train, traveling via the "Middle Corridor" (Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor) from China to Turkey, has been optimized to just 15 days, a significant speed increase compared to traditional transport methods.

The launch of this train service effectively expands the reach and service network of the south corridor. By achieving efficient connectivity with the eastbound corridor, it has established a complete logistics chain from Turkey through the Caspian Sea, Central Asia, Western China, and on to the eastern coast. This development will significantly enhance the efficiency and stability of trade between China and Turkey, further strengthening the market competitiveness of the "Middle Corridor" and successfully creating a comprehensive logistics service system of "international trunk line + domestic distribution."