The New Silk Road: how delivery from China to Belarus works

The New Silk Road in 2026 is a truly operational system of rail and multimodal routes linking China and Europe via Belarus. However, it is no longer a single route, but a network of transport corridors with varying speeds, costs, and load levels. This route has been a key trade route in history, connecting East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, culture, and technology between different civilizations. Despite changes, the route retains its significance, and shipments along the China-Belarus Silk Road continue.

Development of the New Silk Road

Belarus is a key participant in the "One Belt - One Road" concept, proposed by China back in 2013. This initiative aligns with the fundamental principles of both countries: joining forces for joint development and creation. The second forum in 2019 discussed global digitalization, accelerated development, and the elimination of trade barriers. Close cooperation between all parties is needed to give new impetus to trade.

The overall goal is to align countries' actions within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Belarus, as a transit point for trade routes from east to west and north to south, has a particular interest in creating a transparent international trade system.

In 2014, construction began on the China-Belarus Industrial Park "Great Stone," which has direct connections to the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe international transit route.

Russia is also actively participating in this project. Of particular interest is the China-Kazakhstan-Moscow corridor, including the high-speed "Eurasia" highway.

An intention to extend the route to Tyumen and Yekaterinburg, and then to Irkutsk and Vladivostok, was also announced. The corridor through Kazakhstan is receiving an additional branch connecting it with the route through Mongolia, underscoring the importance of developing this route.

The Role of Belarus in the New Silk Road

Belarus – One of the key transit hubs between Asia and Europe.

The importance of Belarus:

• transit between China and the EU;
• distribution hub for cargo;
• participation in Eurasian transport corridors.

Major container trains bound for Europe pass through Belarus.

How is shipping along the Silk Road carried out today?

Current shipping along the Silk Road from China to Belarus and Russia is carried out by high-speed container trains from various Chinese cities to Minsk. The routes include transit points through Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, providing delivery to various cities along the way.

These reliable and well-designed routes provide an average transit time of 14 to 25 days (up to 30 days with transshipment), depending on the border crossing and the conditions at the border crossings. High-speed container trains regularly ensure the movement of goods between China and Russia, minimizing the risk of potential problems.

Restrictions and nuances

Despite the advantages, there are limitations:

• Not all cargo is permitted (hazardous cargo – with restrictions);
• Delays at border crossings are possible;
• dependence on infrastructure.

Therefore, professional route selection is important. The Inter-freight team is ready to provide cargo delivery services on this route by rail. For more information, please call +375 (29) 641-97-27 or use the contact form on the website.