Urumqi International Dry Port: A Key Hub of the New Silk Road
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Urumqi International Dry (Inland) Port, located in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is rapidly solidifying its status as a major logistics hub bridging Asia and Europe.
This transport complex—comprising international terminal zones, multifunctional platforms, a bonded customs area, a cargo consolidation center, and a multimodal transport facility—has been under development since 2015.
Since the launch of operations at the Urumqi inland terminal, more than 5,900 trains have traversed the China–Europe route, covering 21 railway corridors across 19 countries and over 26 cities.
The cargo types handled by the port range widely—from consumer goods to industrial materials and equipment—highlighting its significance as a central hub for export markets.
In 2023 alone, the port handled 772 China–Europe (Central Asia) trains and facilitated 336 comprehensive multimodal rail and sea shipments.
Its main shipping routes ensure efficient delivery timelines: two days to Kazakhstan, eight days to Russia, and sixteen days to the Netherlands, reflecting the port’s logistical efficiency.
The dry port leverages advanced technologies, including intelligent management systems, cargo consolidation mechanisms, multimodal transportation networks, and full integration with the “single window” customs system.
Its strategic importance within the Belt and Road Initiative is well-documented—serving as a critical link between China’s western regions and Europe and establishing a high-efficiency, high-reliability logistics corridor.
Key Highlights and Achievements:
Over 5,900 trains dispatched since inception, with 21 routes spanning more than 26 cities;
In 2023: 772 China–Europe trains and 336 multimodal shipments;
Transit times: 2 days to Kazakhstan, 8 days to Russia, 16 days to the Netherlands;
More than 200 categories of cargo transported;
Fully integrated multimodal logistics hub with advanced smart management systems.
The Urumqi International Dry Port continues to show strong growth in freight volumes and serves as a strategically vital node for trade between Asia and Europe. Through its cutting-edge logistics infrastructure, integration into international transport frameworks, and active role in the China–Europe/Central Asia corridor, the port is fueling the development of both regional and global supply chains.