Development History

Growth of China-Europe Freight Trains

Since 2021, the number of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains passing through Horgos (霍尔果斯) Border Port has experienced significant growth. In 2022, the port added 35 new routes for China-Europe freight trains, increasing to 39 new routes by May 2022. These routes now account for approximately 65% of the total freight trains passing through the port.

By July 2022, the “China-Europe Freight Train – Shanghai” route successfully covered all major China-Europe routes, including the China-Russia and China-Central Asia routes. This allowed the transport of goods to Germany, Poland, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The route linked over 40 cities and stations, and goods were dispatched to other countries in Eurasia.

In 2023, the port achieved impressive milestones, including surpassing 3,000 trains for the first time, with freight volume increasing by 157.2%. By mid-2023, the number of trains crossing the border had reached 3,864, and the cargo volume was 5.28 million tons, showing a 30.4% increase compared to the previous year.

Record-Breaking Milestones

• By early 2024, the port’s total China-Europe (Central Asia) freight train count surpassed 33,000 trains.

• The first quarter of 2024 saw over 2,000 trains, maintaining a steady increase in traffic.

• The total number of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains passing through the port is expected to exceed 8,700 in 2024, setting a new historical record.

• Horgos Border Port also experienced a 112% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in 2024.

Key Achievements in Freight and Passenger Traffic

• By August 2024, the port had already exceeded 5,000 trains for the year, surpassing the previous year’s total number.

• As of October 2024, the total number of China-Europe (Central Asia) trains passing through Horgos reached 40,000, marking another historic achievement.

Strategic Importance

Geographic Location

Horgos Border Port is strategically situated in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture (伊犁哈萨克自治州), located in the northwestern region of Xinjiang. It lies on the border between China and Kazakhstan, with the Horgos River (霍尔果斯河) marking the natural boundary. This location makes it an essential gateway for trade between China, Central Asia, and Europe. The port is positioned at the westernmost point of National Highway 312 (312国道) and serves as the primary land route for transportation to and from Kazakhstan, Russia, and other Central Asian countries.

The port’s location gives it a key advantage in terms of transportation and trade. It lies within 1,000 kilometers of the Central Asian region, with direct access to over 30 countries and regions, including major markets such as Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Horgos Border Port features a well-developed transportation network, including road, rail, and air links. The port connects to several international transportation channels, including the “Jing-Yi-Huo” (精伊霍) railway, an electrified railway that connects the inland of China with Kazakhstan. It is also integrated into the Eurasian Continental Bridge, reducing transportation distances and costs.

• The port has built 22 kilometers of city streets, 90 kilometers of secondary roads, and established a major passenger terminal with facilities for public transport.

• It supports major rail operations, and the port’s infrastructure continues to improve with the introduction of international postal services, wireless communication systems, and telecommunication links with over 14 Eurasian countries.

Economic Significance

Horgos has become an economic gateway for Xinjiang and Central Asia, facilitating trade in livestock products, oil products, and a wide range of other goods. The port plays a key role in regional economic cooperation, boosting trade between China and its neighboring countries. Additionally, the port has attracted industrial developments and established several industrial parks, including those for leather processing, building materials, food processing, and textiles.

Horgos has also become a vital agricultural export hub, particularly for fruits and vegetables, with over 20 million tons exported to Central Asia.

Horgos International Border Cooperation Center

The China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center (中哈霍尔果斯国际边境合作中心) is a joint initiative between China and Kazakhstan. Established in 2006, this center facilitates seamless cross-border movement of people, goods, and vehicles. It covers 5.28 square kilometers, with the Chinese side occupying 3.43 square kilometers.

The center offers favorable conditions for trade, including duty-free shopping, allowing individuals to carry goods within specific value limits, and offering tax refund policies. This center plays a crucial role in the expansion of trade between China, Kazakhstan, and third-party countries.

Industrial Development

Horgos is actively developing its industrial zones to enhance economic growth and attract foreign investment. The industrial park covers an area of 9.73 square kilometers, with an investment of over 50 million yuan. The park will focus on sectors like leather processing, food manufacturing, and textiles, making it a key element in the development of the port’s trade and logistics operations.

Honors and Recognitions

In November 2020, the Horgos Economic Development Zone Administrative Committee was awarded the title of “National Civilized Unit” during the 6th National Civilized Unit Evaluation.

On July 4, 2025, Horgos Road Port successfully passed the onsite evaluation by the World Health Organization (WHO) expert group and was officially recognized as an “International Health Land Port.”

Horgos (Khorgas) Border Port in Ili, Xinjiang: Facilitating Foreign Tourists on Self-Driving Adventures

Welcoming Foreign Tourists at Horgos Border Port

With the continued implementation of the “Belt and Road” initiative and the ongoing optimization of cross-border travel policies, Horgos Border Port has seen an increasing number of international visitors. These tourists are exploring the region via self-driving trips or group tours, discovering the ancient land of Xinjiang.

Group Tour Arrival

On May 6th, 20 tourists from Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands successfully passed through Horgos Border Port and began their self-driving adventure across western China. The tour, themed around “Western China,” is set to cover many exciting destinations including Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Chengdu, Beijing, and Yunnan.

Efficient Permit Processing Services

On May 6th, police officers from the Horgos Traffic Police Division efficiently provided temporary permit processing services for foreign self-driving tourists from Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands, receiving widespread praise. The group arrived at the Horgos International Motor Vehicle Inspection Station, where officers meticulously inspected each vehicle according to relevant regulations. They patiently guided the tourists in filling out necessary forms and quickly issued temporary driving permits and vehicle registration plates. The entire process was completed in just 90 minutes, making it a seamless experience for the visitors.

Traffic Safety Awareness Campaign

During the same day, police officers not only assisted foreign tourists with their paperwork but also organized a special traffic safety awareness event. The visitors were led to the electronic traffic safety education base at the police station, where a well-produced safety video was shown. Bilingual safety pamphlets were distributed, explaining China’s road safety laws and regulations in an easily understandable manner. The officers covered crucial topics such as the meaning of traffic signs, the dangers of drunk driving, speeding, and overloading, as well as the serious consequences of such illegal behaviors.

These educational activities reinforced the tourists’ safety awareness, ensuring they understood the importance of adhering to traffic rules. The officers also reminded the drivers to check their vehicles before driving, use seatbelts properly, and strictly follow Chinese traffic regulations to guarantee road safety.

Foreign tourists expressed their gratitude to the police officers, noting how easy and convenient it had become to travel in China thanks to the assistance and guidance provided. By learning about China’s traffic laws and safety practices, they not only gained knowledge but also committed to following the rules, ensuring a safe and civilized self-driving journey.