China has launched a direct rail freight service to London, as part of its drive to develop trade and investment ties with Europe.
The service, which will be cheaper than air freight and faster than sea, will take about a fortnight to cover the 12,000 journey and will carry cargo of clothes, bags and other household items.
London will become the 15th city to join what the Chinese Government is calling the New Silk Route. China Railway already runs services between other European cities including Madrid and Hamburg.
The service will pass through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany Belgium and France before arriving at Barking Rail Freight Terminal in East London.
The new service is part of the Chinese Government's initiative to boost their economy in the face of slowing export and economic growth.
