This one was carrying 86 containers of surgical masks, medical protective clothing and gloves valued at 13.43 million euros ($15 million).

With the spread of COVID-19 around the globe, many countries are facing shortages of epidemic prevention supplies. Most international airlines and shipping companies have gradually grounded their routes in China, blocking export of much of such material. And so the international rail link becomes a good alternative, thanks to its one-stop customs service and a mode of transport that greatly reduces the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

The nearly 11,180-kilometer link begins in Chongqing, crosses the border into Kazakhstan at Alashankou, Xinjiang, and passes through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus and Poland before reaching its terminus in Duisburg, Germany.

It cuts what was a five-week shipping period to about two weeks and costs 80 percent less than air freight.