According to the first China Multimodal Transport Development Index Report (2025), Qingdao ranks among the top 10 cities nationwide in multimodal transport competitiveness, along with Ningbo, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, and others.

Multimodal transport combines two or more modes of transportation — such as rail, sea, road, and air — under a single contract and a single bill of lading. Among its sub-segments, rail-sea intermodal transport is particularly cost-effective for distances over 600 kilometers, saving over 30 percent in costs, reducing transit time by nearly one-third, and lowering cargo damage rates by 80 percent.

Qingdao has led the country in rail-sea intermodal volume for 11 consecutive years. In 2025, it handled nearly 2.83 million TEUs, an 11 percent year-on-year increase. By the end of 2025, Qingdao Port operated the largest number of sea routes among northern Chinese ports, connecting with over 700 ports in more than 180 countries and regions. It has also built 55 inland ports and launched 86 rail-sea intermodal routes, extending its seaport reach to the doorsteps of inland enterprises.

In the first quarter of this year, Qingdao's rail-sea intermodal volume reached 678,000 TEUs. New routes have recently opened to Hubei's Xiangyang — a key national auto manufacturing hub — and to Wu'an in Hebei province. With this development, a new rail-sea intermodal corridor connecting southern Hebei province to the coast and extending to global markets has been established.

Qingdao ranks among the nation's top 10 cities for multimodal transport competitiveness, according to the first China Multimodal Transport Development Index Report (2025). [Photo/Guanhai News]