As of August 19, the China-Laos Railway had transported more than 38 million passengers on a total of 56,000 trains.
The railway’s international influence continues to grow, attracting 252,000 international passengers from 100 countries and regions for cross-border travel since it first began operations on December 3, 2021. This has significantly contributed to the prosperity of border economies, enhancing cross-border tourism and deepening cultural exchanges.
The railway authorities of both countries have worked diligently to maintain and operate the line, striving to make it a corridor of development, prosperity and friendship for the people of China and Laos. In response to the rapid growth in cross-border passengers, the railway, in collaboration with customs and border inspection agencies, has introduced convenient measures such as online reservations for group tours, 24-hour seamless border crossing and a dedicated 144-hour visa-free transit passage.
Under the Belt and Road Initiative, China continues to open its doors to the world. The growing number of visa-free arrangements and the introduction of policies such as 144-hour visa-free transit have sparked global interest in the China-Laos Railway, making it a new hub for international tourism and cultural exchange.
The China-Laos Railway, known for its affordability, convenience, comfort, and safety, has become the preferred mode of travel for tourism, study, business and cultural exchange for people along its route. With the booming tourism industry in Southwest China, the cross-border market has experienced unprecedented prosperity, further driving demand for travel on the railway.
Statistics show that, since the beginning of this year, the railway has transported 12.73 million passengers, an increase of 1.35 million passengers, or 11.9 percent, year-on-year, demonstrating strong growth momentum and broad development prospects.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
