Khunjerab Pass, major land port connecting China and Pakistan

Travelers heading abroad get on a passenger bus at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) 

Located in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Khunjerab Pass is a major land port on the China-Pakistan border, a major trade station between China and Pakistan, and an important gateway to South Asia and Europe.

Since the resumption of passenger customs clearance on April 3, 2023, the Khunjerab Pass has recorded over 40,000 inbound and outbound passengers.

During the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, China and Pakistan issued a joint press statement announcing that the Khunjerab pass will function all year round, which will play an important role in promoting Sino-Pakistani economic and cultural exchanges.

A traveler carrying food prepares to get on a vehicle at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A traveler heading abroad ties up his luggage on a vehicle at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A traveler waits for border inspection at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Travelers heading abroad get on a passenger bus at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A traveler is seen at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Travelers heading abroad get their luggage on a passenger bus at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

This aerial photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows a view of the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A traveler has border inspection processed at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Travelers are seen at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A policeman checks travelers' information at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A policeman checks a vehicle entering the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Photo by Wang Zhilong/Xinhua)

A policeman sticks a sign on a vehicle at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A traveler goes through border inspection formalities at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Police officers process border inspection for travelers at the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A policeman checks a vehicle entering the Khunjerab Pass in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 6, 2023. (Photo by Wang Zhilong/Xinhua)