A China-Europe freight train loaded with 50 containers departs from Quanzhou in East China's Fujian province for Moscow, Russia on Jan 18. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn]

A China-Europe freight train loaded with 50 containers departed from Quanzhou in East China's Fujian province for Moscow, Russia on Jan 18.

This train is the first China-Europe freight train in Quanzhou and the third one in Fujian province, following the previously trains departing from Xiamen and Wuyishan.

The train was fully loaded with light industrial products made in Quanzhou such as sanitary goods, bags, shoes, clothing and crafts worth 10.37 million yuan ($1.63 million).

The total length of the journey is 10,960 kilometers and the train is expected to arrive in Moscow in 20 days, which cuts 25 days off of transporting the goods by ship, according to an official from Quanzhou Customs.

Quanzhou was a starting point of ancient Maritime Silk Road. The city has been bolstering its efforts to develop foreign trade in recent years and has formed international cooperation agreements with Southeast Aisa, the European Union, and Russia.

The train was meant to strengthen Quanzhou's business ties with countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative and promote "made in Quanzhou" to the world.