The volume of goods shipped by the China-Europe Railway Express (Xiamen), the first international freight train route departing from a free trade pilot zone (FTZ) in China, increased significantly in the first quarter compared with last year.
According to Xiamen customs, over the first quarter of 2025, a total of 1,270 TEUs of goods weighing 7,434 tons departed from the Pilot FTZ of Xiamen City in east China's Fujian Province by China-Europe Railway Express, a year-on-year increase of 72.09 percent and 48.32 percent respectively.
Since the rail route started running on Aug 16, 2015, it has expanded from a single route to seven routes, reaching more than 30 cities in 13 countries along the Belt and Road.
Xiamen sees surging cargo shipment by China-Europe freight trains in Q1
Xiamen sees surging cargo shipment by China-Europe freight trains in Q1
Xiamen sees surging cargo shipment by China-Europe freight trains in Q1
The Water-Splashing Festival in southwest China's Yunnan Province has drawn visitors from across the country and beyond, fueling a significant surge in tourism revenue for the region.
The festival, marking the New Year for the Dai people, originated as a spiritual ritual to bring blessings and wash away misfortune. Over time, it has transformed into a major attraction, drawing travelers from across China and beyond.
Celebrations began on Sunday, drawing locals and tourists into the centuries-old traditions of the Dai ethnic group.
On Tuesday, a grand annual water-splashing carnival took place in Jinghong of Yunnan's Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, with water flying through the air and laughter echoing through the streets.
Armed with basins, water bags, and water guns, revelers turned the streets into a playful battleground of goodwill, and even police officers are not exempted.
"I come from Taitung of Taiwan Province. I'm having such a fun time here. I wish I could come everyday. This is awesome," said Wu, a tourist.
"I'm from Liangshan in Sichuan. Today has been a lot of fun! You could come visit us in July during the Torch Festival, and you can actually play with fire," said Ziluo, another tourist.
The festival is also celebrated in some Southeast Asian countries, where it's widely known as Songkran.
Renowned for its tropical landscapes and rich ethnic culture, Xishuangbanna is a top travel destination, and the festival is giving a strong boost to the local tourism sector.
"Overall the tourist volume has significantly increased from previous years. According to our preliminary estimates, between April 11 and 14, tourist visits reached 1.6 million, generating approximately 1.658 billion yuan in total consumption," said Sui Jianfei, head of the Jinghong Cultural and Tourism Bureau.
The local government hopes to elevate the city's profile through the event, aiming to leverage the visa-free transit policy to attract more visitors to Xishuangbanna.
Water-splashing Festival in Yunnan sparks tourism boom
