With the China-initiated Belt and Road Initiative going into gear, rail-freight networks are facilitating a new generation of transcontinental exchanges. /CFP Photo

2015: The first freight train leaves Lianyungang in China for Alma-Ata in Kazakhstan. /CFP Photo

September 2017: More than 20 trains have been running each day between central Asia and China, according to China Railway Corporation. /CFP Photo

Since 2013, China has launched more than 50 trade routes linking up countries in central Asia and Europe to boost trade and strengthen connectivity. /CFP Photo