China-Europe freight train links Xi'an, Spain

Loaded with 50 containers of solar panels, a China-Europe freight train departed from Xi'an Xinzhu Railway Station in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province on April 9, heading for Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain.

With a total journey of about 12,000 kilometers, it is the first China-Europe freight train service running from Xi'an to Barcelona.

In recent years, the Xi'an freight train service has developed rapidly.

At present, it has opened 15 international routes to 44 cities in 14 countries, achieving full coverage of the Eurasian region.

Officials say the number of scheduled trains ranks first in the country.

As of April 7, it has made a total of 736 trips this year, a year-on-year increase of 144 percent.