The Beibu Gulf Port in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is China's first sea-rail automated terminal to apply "smart port" systems and also the world's first port to adopt a U-shaped design. The port is seen as a key window for the opening up of southwest China and a vital heartbeat in the rhythm of global trade.

(This story is produced by international journalism students from the Communication University of China: Li Wenzi, Yuan Ziyan, Zhang Shenmao, Wang Hong, Zhou Xun and Xiao Yinuo)