China-Europe freight trains departing from Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region hit a record high of 9,679 in 2020, according to local authorities.

As of Dec 31, the number of China-Europe freight trains via Alataw Pass reached 5,027, a 41.8 percent increase year-on-year. Freight trains via Khorgos Land Port reached 4,652, a 37 percent increase year-on-year.

China-Europe freight trains undertook more transportation missions during 2020 because of COVID-19. The routes play an important role in safeguarding the supply to countries along the Belt and Road, said Xu Yueheng, an official with Alataw Pass customs.

There are 22 freight train routes via Alataw Pass, reaching 13 countries include Germany, Belgium and Russia, transporting more than 200 different types of goods.