Chongqing—On May 20th, over 40 foreign journalists from media outlets in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and other countries and regions visited Chongqing to explore the city's pivotal role in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC). The visit, organized by China's State Council Information Office, highlighted Chongqing's efforts to transform into a national logistics hub and its advancements in multimodal transportation and modern logistics.​​

The delegation began their tour at the Chongqing International Logistics Hub in the Inland Exhibition Center, where they learned about the city's strategic positioning as a critical node in domestic and international supply chains. Journalists then proceeded to the Chongqing Railway Container Center Station, witnessing the departure of a China-Europe Railway Express (CRE) freight train bound for Duisburg, Germany. The train, loaded with electronics, machinery, and consumer goods, underscored Chongqing’s growing connectivity with global markets.

International media representatives photographed the exact departure of a China-Europe Railway Express train at the Chongqing Railway Container Center. (Photo/Qihai Deng)

At the site, reporters eagerly documented the station's operations, capturing footage of automated cranes and stacked containers. "This is a vivid example of how Chongqing bridges China’s inland regions with the world," remarked one journalist.

Immersive insights at the ILSTC dry port​​

The group later visited the ILSTC Dry Port, an inland logistics hub designed to replicate coastal port functions. In the exhibition hall, journalists viewed real-time data dashboards, interactive models, and 5D theater simulations showcasing Chongqing’s evolution from an inland city to an open economic hub. Exhibits detailed the corridor’s operations, including its integration of rail, road, and river transport networks, which link Chongqing to over 120 countries and regions.

A delegation of international journalists visited the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Inland Exhibition Center to observe its operations. (Photo/Qihai Deng) 

“The corridor is not just a logistics route—it's a catalyst for regional cooperation,” said a participating journalist, reflecting on the city’s efforts to streamline cross-border trade. A European correspondent added, “The simulations made it easy to grasp how Chongqing coordinates complex transport systems to boost efficiency.”

​​Changan Auto: innovation in manufacturing​​

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Changan Global Research and Development Center and the Avatr Intelligent Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Base in Liangjiang New Area, gaining insights into Changan Automobile’s range of new energy vehicle (NEV) models and its factory production processes.

On May 20, at the Changan Global Research and Development Center, the journalist filmed the cockpit of a Deepal model. (Photo/Luo Huxin)

Inside the showroom, Changan's lineup—especially its NEV brands Avatr and Deepal—captured the interest of the journalists. They explored the vehicle interiors and examined the advanced features on display. Will Glasgow, a journalist from the Australian, was particularly intrigued by the Avatr models. He noted that Changan plans to introduce these vehicles to the Australian market and said he looks forward to seeing them on the streets when he returns home.

The visit continued at the manufacturing facility, where the delegation toured the welding and assembly workshops. Journalists documented the orderly operation of robotic arms, the movement of vehicle components along the production lines, and the workers at their stations. “This is my first time visiting an auto factory in China,” Glasgow remarked. He observed that workers were mainly responsible for monitoring automated systems, commenting, “I think this reflects the evolution of factory work in China.”

As one of China’s leading NEV manufacturers, Changan sparked significant interest among the journalists regarding its international market strategy and the broader progress of China’s NEV industry. Glasgow noted that the growth of Chinese NEVs is beneficial for Australia, where the domestic auto industry cannot fully meet local demand. China’s increasing production capacity, he said, could help fill that gap. A journalist from Iraq also expressed interest in learning more about Changan’s export strategy in the Middle East.

On May 20, at the Avatr Intelligent Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Base, the journalists captured footage of the production line in action. (Photo/Luo Huxin)

As the visit concluded, organizers reiterated that Chongqing’s logistics and industrial achievements underscore its commitment to high-quality development under the national “14th Five-Year Plan.” The city’s blend of traditional industries and cutting-edge innovation continues to position it as a vital gateway along the Belt and Road Initiative.