Kunming: The China-Laos Railway has achieved a significant milestone by handling over 70 million passenger trips since its inauguration on December 3, 2021. This major project, a flagship initiative in China-Laos cooperation, connects several renowned tourism destinations, including Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane. It spans more than 560 scenic spots, establishing a crucial corridor for cross-border travel.

According to Lao News Agency, in response to the increasing demand, railway authorities from both China and Laos have enhanced coordination to optimize services. The daily average number of passenger trains on the Chinese section has increased significantly from eight at the beginning of operations to a maximum of 86. Similarly, on the Lao section, the number has risen from four to a peak of 18.

So far, over 780,000 tourists from more than 120 countries and regions have crossed the border using the China-Laos Railway, as stated by the railway authority. The railway stretches 1,035 kilometers from Kunming in southwest China's Yunnan Province to the Lao capital, Vientiane. To accommodate the growing demand for cross-border travel, international passenger train services between Kunming and Vientiane were launched on April 13, 2023.