Linyi, a major logistics hub in Shandong province, has secured the UN/LOCODE "CNLYI" — a five-character international port code recently approved by the UN Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business.
The code marks a major leap for the inland city, elevating it from a mere transit point to an officially recognized port of origin and destination on global multimodal transport routes.
Previously, Linyi's landlocked geography posed a barrier to foreign trade. Despite its sprawling road freight networks, the city served mostly as a pass-through point. The new code changes that dynamic. By enabling local customs clearance and direct global connectivity, Linyi enterprises can now trade efficiently from their "doorstep".
The designation also deepens the integration of coastal port functions into inland Shandong, accelerating the development of a "dry port" model.
The milestone was not achieved overnight. Linyi stands as the first city in China to host the TIR (International Road Transport) assembly, facilitation, and vehicle inspection centers. It operates 24 China-Europe freight train routes, with over 2,300 cumulative trips made since their launch.
In the first half of this year, Linyi's general trade imports and exports reached 45.9 billion yuan ($6.83 billion), while market procurement exports grew to 41.44 billion yuan.
Linyi's transformation proves geography isn't destiny. As supply chains rebuild, more inland cities will rise as nodes, fueling China's high-level opening-up.
Linyi secures the UN/LOCODE "CNLYI", gaining official recognition as a port of origin and destination for global trade. [Photo/Langya News]
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