The new China-Europe freight train undergoes final inspections before heading to Moscow on Dec 29. [Photo/huhhot.gov.cn]

A China-Europe freight train carrying 51 containers on Dec 29 departed Shaliang Railway Modern Comprehensive Logistics Park in Hohhot – capital of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region – marking the opening of the city's direct China-Europe freight train service.

The train – named Qingcheng –  starts at Shaliang logistics park, passes through Ereenhot Port border checkpoint with neighboring Mongolia and reaches its destination in Moscow, Russia, arriving within 14 days.

The 51 containers on the debut trip are carrying goods including air conditioners, furniture, sanitary ware, clothes and auto parts weighing 820 metric tons.

The Qingcheng freight train has reportedly opened a new cross-border freight transportation channel and is seen as being of great importance to boosting China’s new "dual circulation" development pattern – in which the domestic economy and trade plays a leading role while the international economy and trading serves as an extension and supplement.