China-Laos Railway Surpasses 480,000 Cross-Border Travelers, Strengthens Belt and Road Connectivity

KUNMING, April 12 — In just two years since launching its international passenger service, the China-Laos Railway has carried over 487,000 cross-border travelers from 112 countries and regions, highlighting its growing significance as a symbol of Belt and Road connectivity and regional cooperation.
Spanning 1,035 kilometers, the railway links Kunming in southwest China’s Yunnan Province to the Laotian capital Vientiane. Operated by China Railway Kunming Group Co., Ltd., the line has rapidly evolved into a vital artery for economic development, tourism, and cultural exchange across Southeast Asia.
Launched on April 13, 2023, the international passenger service of the China-Laos Railway has helped bring people and nations closer together under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, reinforcing its status as a flagship project of regional integration.
To keep pace with soaring demand, railway authorities have expanded services between tourist hotspots Xishuangbanna in China and Luang Prabang in Laos from four to six days weekly, excluding Wednesdays. The number of available passenger seats per train has jumped from 250 to 390, with daily cross-border traffic reaching peaks of 1,300 passengers—up from just 300 in the early days of operation.
Travel time between Kunming South and Vientiane has been reduced by an hour, now averaging 9 hours and 30 minutes, thanks to improved rail speed and efficiency. Meanwhile, border procedures have been optimized, with customs clearance times shrinking from 90 minutes to just 50.
At the Mohan border checkpoint, multilingual police officers have been stationed to guide international passengers on legal matters, local customs, travel safety, and cultural highlights—including cuisine.
Since the railway’s launch in December 2021, it has not only boosted trade and mobility but has also become a model for cross-border infrastructure projects aiming to foster shared growth and understanding across nations.