As of Friday, the China-Laos Railway has handled over 8.5 million passenger trips and transported 11.2 million tonnes of cargo since its launch a year ago, the Chinese railway operator said.

The railway has provided a convenient and efficient means of travel for residents from both countries, and also helped smooth logistics between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The railway showcases how the landmark Belt and Road Initiative project has been improving people's lives and boosting the flow of goods.

The 1,035-kilometer China-Laos Railway runs from Kunming in Southwest China's Yunnan province to Vientiane, capital of Laos. The trip takes about 10 hours, with speeds reaching up to 200 kilometers per hour.