从国门看百年口岸变迁 霍尔果斯跑出对外开放“新速度”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformation of Horgos from a historical Silk Road outpost to a modern international trade hub, emphasizing its role as a key gateway for China's westward opening and the significant developments in its border management and trade activities over the years [1]. Group 1: Historical Development of Horgos - The first generation of the border gate was built in 1952 to strengthen border management, symbolizing the confidence and hope of the new China [3]. - In 1986, the border gate was expanded to 894 square meters, leading to increased commercial activities [5]. - The third generation of the border gate was inaugurated in 1991, doubling the size of the previous one, and the establishment of a border trade market followed, with transaction volumes growing from 27.5 million yuan in 1992 to over 500 million yuan by 1998 [7]. Group 2: Modernization and Expansion - The fourth generation of the border gate was officially opened in 1996 to accommodate the growing demand for cargo passage, featuring separate inspection areas for travelers and vehicles [9]. - The fifth generation was introduced in 2008, coinciding with a shift towards bulk commodity imports and exports, and the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 further transformed Horgos into a key opening point for China [11]. - The sixth generation of the border gate was completed in September 2018, becoming a new landmark and significantly improving customs efficiency [15][17]. Group 3: Trade and Economic Impact - Since the opening of the sixth generation border gate, the number of vehicles crossing the border has surged from over 6,000 to 420,000, a nearly 70-fold increase, while import and export cargo volume rose from 36.73 million tons to 45.57 million tons, maintaining the top position in Xinjiang for seven consecutive years [21]. - The annual volume of freight trains passing through Horgos has increased from fewer than 400 in 2016 to 8,730 by 2024, with cargo volumes consistently rising [23]. - Horgos has become a popular shopping destination with over a thousand shops in the cross-border trade cooperation zone, attracting nearly 50 million travelers since its operation began in 2012 [25][27]. Group 4: Future Prospects - By 2024, Horgos is projected to achieve an external trade import and export total exceeding 100 billion yuan for the first time [29].