On May 27, the first-anniversary celebration and customer promotion conference of the Chengdu–Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-Sea Service was successfully held in Chengdu. Connecting Chengdu with YANTIAN and Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Port, this dedicated rail-sea corridor has operated 68 scheduled services over the past year. During the period, cargo throughput surged 28-fold year on year, while the value of cargoes transported exceeded CNY448 million, firmly establishing the service as a reliable, efficient and low-carbon gateway for foreign trade enterprises in Chengdu and across Southwest China to access global markets.

（视频来源：四川日报-省情研究所）

The event brought together more than 200 representatives from government authorities, shipping lines, cargo owners, logistics enterprises and business partners from Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Attendees witnessed the departure of the 68th Chengdu–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-Sea Service from Chengdu, reviewed the its achievements over its inaugural year, and explored new opportunities for deeper collaboration between the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the Greater Bay Area.

Wang Ping (8th from right), Deputy Director of the Chengdu Port & Logistics Office; Guantao Li (7th from right), Deputy Director of the Port and Shipping Administration of the Transport Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality; Amy Chan (6th from right), Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics of Hong Kong; Ivor Chow (5th from right), CEO of HPH Trust & Managing Director of HIT; Lawrence Shum (4th from right), Managing Director of YANTIAN.

One Year of Success: More Frequent Services, Greater Reliability, Enhanced Connectivity

• Expanding Capacity

Since its launch, the Service has operated 68 train services, with frequency doubling within its first six months. Maintaining an on-time performance rate of over 98%, the Service delivers consistent reliability and is largely unaffected by adverse weather conditions or holiday congestion, giving shippers greater certainty and peace of mind. Compared with traditional road transportation, the Service can reduce overall logistics costs by at least 30%. As of May 20, 2026, cargo volume had increased 28-fold year on year, reflecting its strong development momentum.

• Faster Connections to Global Markets

Operated on a fixed schedule with predetermined routes, departure times, pricing and train allocations, the Service offers customers a highly stable and predictable logistics solution. Transit time from Chengdu to YANTIAN has been cut from six days to just two days, while cargo can reach Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Port within three days. Upon arrival at either gateway port, containers are seamlessly connected to international liners, providing efficient access to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide.

• Digital Innovation Driving Seamless Intermodal Connectivity

Following the successful launch of YANTIAN's Open Data API for rail-sea services in March this year, Chengdu International Land Port became one of the first partners to complete system integration. This milestone coincided with another major breakthrough—the issuance of the first single-bill service for the Chengdu–Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-Sea Service, jointly facilitated with the Administrative Committee of Chengdu International Land Port. By enabling real-time data exchange and deeper information sharing across container operations and shipping logistics, the API streamlines operational coordination, and improves service efficiency.

• Complementary Service Networks, Stronger Global Connectivity

YANTIAN is backed by a stable and highly efficient rail-sea service system and the most extensive network of Europe and US services in South China. Many leading shipping lines designate YANTIAN as the last port-of-call in South China on their Asia-Europe and trans-Pacific services. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Port offers the Greater Bay Area's most comprehensive connectivity to destinations across Asia and South America. Together, the two port clusters leverage their complementary strengths to provide seamless access to major ports and trade lanes worldwide. Supported by six daily feeder services between YANTIAN and Kwai Tsing Port, the partnership is creating a faster, more efficient gateway for exports from Sichuan and Chengdu to reach global markets.

• Excellence Recognised by Government

The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address of the Hong Kong SAR, released in September last year, specifically highlighted Hong Kong's efforts to attract cargo from inland regions such as Chengdu. Under this model, cargo is transported via rail-sea services to YANTIAN, transferred by feeder services to Kwai Tsing Port, and then loaded onto ocean-going vessels bound for international markets, delivering mutual benefits and win-win growth opportunities for both cities. In December last year, YANTIAN was honoured with the "Outstanding Service Award" jointly presented by relevant authorities of the Sichuan Provincial Development and Reform Commission and the Chongqing Municipal Government, making it the only terminal officially recognised by the Sichuan-Chongqing region. YANTIAN is also the only port in South China to have achieved the industry's highest accreditation, the prestigious "Five-Star Multimodal Transport Operator" certification.

• Up to 90% Lower Carbon Emissions

Studies show that rail transport can reduce carbon emissions per unit of freight turnover by up to 90% compared with road transportation. A fully loaded YANTIAN rail-sea service train carries the equivalent cargo volume of approximately 100 conventional trucks. By shifting cargo from road to rail, the service helps reduce emissions, improve road safety, lower energy consumption and logistics costs, alleviate traffic congestion, optimise transport structures, and contribute meaningfully to China's dual carbon goals.

Connecting Chengdu to the World: A Win-Win Partnership Across Chengdu, Shenzhen and Hong Kong

The successful launch of the Chengdu–Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-Sea Service effectively extends the global shipping networks of Yantian Port and Kwai Tsing Port deep into Chengdu's economic hinterland. It creates a powerful platform for resource sharing, logistics connectivity, and industrial collaboration among Chengdu, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Together, the three regions are forging a new paradigm of coordinated development, mutually beneficial cooperation and higher-level opening-up.

Chengdu: As Western China's leading economic centre, innovation centre, and advanced manufacturing base, Chengdu enjoys significant advantages in inland industry and logistics.

Yantian Port, Shenzhen: With up to 10 Europe- and US-bound services per day, Yantian Port boasts the most frequent Europe and US services in South China.

Kwai Tsing Port, Hong Kong: As a key gateway for Asian and South American trade, Kwai Tsing Port offers one of the most frequent regional shipping services in the Greater Bay Area.

Leveraging their complementary strengths, Yantian Port and Kwai Tsing Port together provide seamless access to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. Supported by frequent daily feeder services between the two ports, the integrated corridor enables cargo from Sichuan and Chengdu to connect efficiently with global markets.

Wang Ping, Deputy Director, Chengdu Port and Logistics Office
Over the past year, the Service has achieved a remarkable transformation from an inaugural launch to a scheduled and regular operation, and from a single-route breakthrough to a fully integrated logistics network. Cargo value transported through the Service has surpassed CNY448 million, serving more than 200 enterprises. Covering Chengdu's advantageous industries, including electronic information, equipment manufacturing, cross-border e-commerce, and biomedicine, the Service now reaches 30 countries and regions worldwide, underscoring strong market confidence in this strategic trade corridor.

Li Guantao, Deputy Director, Ports and Shipping Department, Transportation Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality
Shenzhen is fully advancing the implementation of the national action plan for the deep integration of rail and maritime transport. The Chengdu–Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-Sea Service stands as a benchmark example of this strategy in action.

Amy Chan, Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics Bureau, Government of Hong Kong SAR
The success of the Chengdu–Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-Sea Service is attributable not only to the rapid growth of Sichuan's export-oriented manufacturing sector, but also to the highly complementary strengths of Kwai Tsing Port in Hong Kong and Yantian Port in Shenzhen. Today, the SZ-HK Connect initiative has become a model for collaborative port development in the Greater Bay Area. Through close cooperation, the two ports have successfully expanded the region's cargo hinterland, fostering a logistics ecosystem in which cargoes manufactured across China can efficiently reach global markets through the combined gateways of Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Wang Qiang, Manager of Multimodal Transport Department, Logistics Business Division, China Railway Guangzhou
The successful operation of the Chengdu–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-Sea Service has effectively removed key export logistics bottlenecks for the Chengdu-Chongqing region. At the same time, it has enabled Greater Bay Area ports to expand their inland cargo base, further consolidating the international shipping hub status of Shenzhen and Hong Kong while providing manufacturers and foreign trade enterprises with stable, efficient and reliable logistics support.

Lawrence Shum, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports YANTIAN
One year ago, we joined forces to launch the Chengdu–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-Sea Service. As China embarks on the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan Period and welcomes the opportunities of APEC China Year, driven by innovation, strengthened through partnership, and inspired by openness, we have transformed this strategic corridor linking the Greater Bay Area and the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle from blueprint to reality, and from its inaugural journey to thriving operations over the past year.

Yang Xiaoping, Chairman and General Manager of Chengdu International Land Port
Over the past year, we have consistently adhered to the "Five Fixed" principles—fixed destinations, fixed routes, fixed train frequencies, fixed departure schedules, and fixed pricing. Through this commitment to stability, we have strengthened the service's operational foundation and accelerated the development of the intermodal transport model.

Crystal Pang, Commercial Manager of Hutchison Ports YANTIAN, introduced that Yantian Port is home to the only railway in Shenzhen with direct access into the port area. Its rail-sea service has achieved seven consecutive years of growth, with both total throughput and laden export container volumes reaching record highs. YANTIAN has established 34 inland ports, launched 36 rail-sea services, developed 15 port alliances within the Greater Bay Area, and operates 17 feeder services, extending its service network across the Greater Bay Area, Southwest China and Central China. Yantian Port has long been committed to Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation. Together with Kwai Tsing Port, it continues to strengthen connectivity between domestic and international markets. The feeder service between YANTIAN and Hong Kong has been in operation for over 32 years, with six daily sailings and annual growth in container volumes. Following a nearly 30% increase in laden container volumes on the Hong Kong service in 2024, volumes grew by a further 10% in 2025, setting a new record.

Chloe Lau, Associate Account Director, Hutchison Ports South China, introduced that the Chengdu–Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-Sea Service has significantly shortened transit times for cargoes from Sichuan and Chongqing transiting through Hong Kong to global markets. Hongkong International Terminals handles more than 150 vessel calls per week, with services connecting over 200 countries and more than 400 destinations worldwide. ASEAN services account for more than 70% of its network, while its Asia and South America services complement YANTIAN's service network.

During the event, representatives from Chengdu International Land Port, YANTIAN, and Hongkong International Terminals, witnessed by government officials and guests from Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, jointly signed the Agreement on Deepening Cooperation for the Joint Development of the Chengdu Inland Port. The signing not only demonstrates the three parties' commitment to connectivity, collaboration and mutual benefit, but also highlights how strong regional cooperation can help foreign trade enterprises navigate uncertainties in the global market.

Embracing Openness for a Long-term Future

This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan Period. The national plan explicitly outlines strategic directions such as "strengthening the coordinated and interconnected development of key city clusters," "promoting the balanced development of imports and exports," and "consolidating and elevating Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre. Meanwhile, the 15th Five-Year plans of Guangdong and Sichuan provinces both emphasise strengthening the synergistic linkage and deep integration between the Greater Bay Area and the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle. Furthermore, the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address of the Hong Kong SAR proposed establishing a rail-sea-land-river multi-modal transport system connecting to the inland, and promoting the transit of cargoes from mainland provinces and cities through Hong Kong to international markets. These initiatives provide solid institutional support for Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong to leverage their respective unique advantages, collaborate effectively, actively expand imports, and accelerate high-level opening-up.

By leveraging the synergies between YANTIAN and Kwai Tsing Port, YANTIAN will strengthen its role as a hub connecting domestic and international markets, facilitating efficient connectivity between the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the Greater Bay Area, supporting the high-quality development of the real economy, and contributing to the growth of China's foreign trade and the achievement of the dual carbon goals.

Contact information for YANTIAN Rail-Sea Service
Owen Guo, Manager of the Commercial Department, Shenzhen Pingyan Multimodal
📱Phone: 13631632302/(86 755)2529 6406
📮Email: zhongxian.guo@pingyan.com.cn