The first-ever freight train carrying imported German pork arrived in Chengdu over the weekend. Chinese meat imports have been rising in recent years and Europe has been a major supplier.

European meat previously came to China via sea and air transport, which was costly and time-consuming.

Chinese authorities have changed quarantine procedures so that meat imports can be inspected for the first time in inner Chinese cities to speed up the process.

Officials say the train that arrived in Chengdu marks a new era of Europe-Asia transportation.