The China-Laos Railway has reached a significant milestone, transporting 487,000 cross-border passengers from 112 countries and regions since its international passenger service launched two years ago, according to China Railway Kunming Group Co., Ltd.
Spanning 1,035 kilometers, the railway connects Kunming in southwest China’s Yunnan Province with the Laotian capital Vientiane. It’s more than just tracks and trains—it’s a vital link boosting regional economic development and enhancing people-to-people exchanges.
Since officially launching cross-border passenger services on April 13, 2023, the railway has solidified its role as a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering greater connectivity across Asia.
To meet the growing demand, railway authorities have introduced targeted measures. International passenger trains between Xishuangbanna in Yunnan and Laos’ Luang Prabang—both popular tourist destinations—now operate six days a week, up from four. The number of passenger seats per train has increased from 250 to 390, and daily inbound and outbound passenger flow has surged from 300 to a peak of 1,300.
Travel times have also improved. The journey between Kunming South Station and Vientiane Station is now approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, reduced by an hour. Border checkpoints have streamlined customs procedures, cutting wait times from 90 minutes to as little as 50 minutes.
At the Mohan border checkpoint, multilingual police officers assist travelers with queries on laws, local customs, tourism tips, and cuisine, making cross-border journeys smoother and more enjoyable.
The China-Laos Railway, operational since December 2021, continues to strengthen regional ties and open new avenues for collaboration and cultural exchange in Southeast Asia.
