Core Viewpoint - The operational landscape of the China-Europe Railway Express is shifting, with Xi'an and Zhengzhou surpassing Chengdu and Chongqing in terms of train operations and cargo volume, reflecting a diversification in China's foreign trade [3][4]. Group 1: Operational Data - In 2025, Xi'an operated 6,037 trains, a year-on-year increase of 21.1%, transporting a total of 6.96 million tons of goods, which is a 23.7% increase [3][6]. - Zhengzhou operated a total of 3,417 trains, surpassing both Chengdu and Chongqing, which had 2,105 and 1,933 trains respectively [8][12]. - The total number of trains operated by Xi'an, Chengdu, and Chongqing in 2025 was 4,912, 2,234, and 2,194 respectively, with the combined total for Chengdu and Chongqing being 4,428 [7][11]. Group 2: Growth Trends - Xi'an's growth has been significant since 2018, with a consistent increase in train operations from 2,133 in 2019 to over 6,000 in 2025 [6][7]. - The increase in operations is attributed to a larger focus on Central Asia routes, with Zhengzhou and Xi'an showing substantial growth in this area, while Chengdu and Chongqing experienced declines in their Central Asia operations [11][12]. - In 2025, Zhengzhou's Central Asia train operations grew by 131.9%, while Xi'an's grew by 32.0%, contrasting with negative growth in Chengdu and Chongqing [12][14]. Group 3: Trade Diversification - The shift in train operations reflects a broader trend of diversification in China's trade, with significant growth in trade with Central Asia, which reached $106.3 billion in 2025, marking a 12% increase [14][15]. - China has become the largest trading partner for several Central Asian countries, with trade volume doubling from $49.56 billion in 2021 to over $100 billion in 2025 [15].

Core Insights - The operational landscape of the China-Europe Railway Express is shifting, with Xi'an and Zhengzhou surpassing Chengdu and Chongqing in terms of train operations, reflecting a diversification trend in China's foreign trade [1][2]. Group 1: Operational Changes - In 2025, Xi'an is projected to operate 6,037 trains, a 21.1% increase year-on-year, with a total cargo weight of 6.96 million tons, up 23.7% [1]. - Zhengzhou is expected to operate a total of 3,417 trains, surpassing both Chengdu and Chongqing, although it does not exceed the combined volume of the Chengdu-Chongqing line [5][9]. - The competition between Xi'an and the Chengdu-Chongqing region has intensified, with Xi'an's growth leading to a new operational dynamic [4][8]. Group 2: Trade Trends - The shift in rankings from Chengdu and Chongqing to Xi'an and Zhengzhou is indicative of a broader trend towards diversification in trade routes, particularly towards Central Asia [9][10]. - In 2025, the total number of trains operating in the Central Asia direction is expected to reach 14,254, a 19.6% increase, while the Europe direction will see a modest growth of 3.2% [9]. - The trade volume between China and Central Asia is projected to reach $106.3 billion in 2025, marking a 12% increase and reflecting a significant growth trend in this region [10].