According to the manufacturer, the refrigerated containers feature domestically developed cooling systems with dual compressors, downward air discharge and automated fresh-air ventilation.

An end-to-end digital platform allows real-time tracking of cargo location, temperature and humidity, addressing the long-standing industry challenge of spoilage and quality loss during long-haul transport of tropical fresh produce.

At a distribution center in Kunming, an inspector opened a freshly arrived container and found durians with green stems, intact shells and a subtle aroma. "Just like they are freshly picked," he said — crediting the railway's full-journey cold chain.

"Shijiazhuang International Land Port now owns more than 500 reefers, giving us flexible capacity for the China-Laos rail cold chain," Gong said.