Chongqing - On December 28, Bridging News visited Yongchuan South Station, where Feng Zhaohua, secretary and director of the Yongchuan District Commission of Transportation, highlighted how the new high-speed rail link strengthens Yongchuan’s position as a key western international open hub, connecting domestic and global markets.

The square at Yongchuan South Station. (Photo/ cqnews.net)

The exterior of Yongchuan South Station. (Photo/ cqnews.net)

The western international open hub in the core of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle supports eight major outbound and sea routes, including the China-Europe Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC).

Yongchuan leads Chongqing in shipment volume on the ILSTC. The China-Europe Railway Express operates regularly, reaching Central Asia in 5 days and Southeast Asia in 6 days. 

With the Chongqing-Yibin section of the Chongqing-Kunming High-Speed Railway (HSR) now open, Yongchuan is the first district outside Chongqing’s central area to have a 350 km/h dual high-speed rail link. Located at the crossroads of Sichuan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, it offers an extensive transport network, including a deep-water port, a general airport, and proximity to the future Chongqing New Airport.

Feng said Yongchuan plans to develop an inland hub, focusing on a "hub + channel + logistics + trade + industry" model to drive high-quality economic growth. "We aim to help more Western China's products reach global markets and allow locals to enjoy international goods without leaving home," he added.

The district has boosted foreign investment with companies like Liebherr Group and Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen, driving foreign trade growth. Last year, its GDP surpassed 120 billion yuan, with an 8% growth in the first half of this year, showing steady progress.

"We will actively develop the high-speed rail economy by optimizing industrial layout, improving services, and enhancing marketing, injecting new vitality and momentum into the regional economy," said a district official.

Yongchuan will leverage the Chongqing-Kunming HSR to boost the economy, strengthen cooperation with surrounding areas, create an open inland hub, and attract high-end industries. It will also promote the transformation and growth of traditional and emerging sectors.

The waiting hall of Yongchuan South Station. (Photo/ cqnews.net)

Platform of Yongchuan South Station. (Photo/ cqnews.net)