Chengdu in southwest China’s Sichuan province is known as one of the starting points of the ancient southern Silk Road. It links China with Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea. The city is now reviving its connection with the world by constructing a second international airport.

Building a modern Silk Road in the air. Chengdu is now starting to build its second international airport. It claims this is the largest project of its kind in China so far.

“The airport will serve as a crucial traffic hub in the southwest region. It will contribute to the economic and social development in Sichuan and surrounding areas,” said Chen Guilin, president of Sichuan Huashi Enterprise Co.

Tianfu International Airport has been designed to make transit more convenient for passengers. After its completion in 2020, Chengdu will host about one hundred international airlines. The city will have direct economic ties with over 200 countries and regions.

“The new airport will promote Sichuan’s integration into the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. It will help the province further open up to the outside world and make economic breakthroughs,” said Tang Liangzhi, mayor of Chengdu, Sichuan province.

Chengdu is one of the most important economic, cultural, and transportation centers in Western China. The construction of this new airport will meet the rising demand for travel routes and options. It will also help connect businesses and industries in central and western China with the rest of the world.

Two thousand years ago, businessmen in Sichuan transported silk, brocade and tea to the outside world. That’s how the Southern Silk Road was born. And the interconnection is now strengthened.

“This new airport will help Sichuan fasttrack its integration into the global economy,” said Wang Dongming, party secretary of Sichuan province.

By joining the global market, Chengdu is now shifting its focus to the high-end manufacturing and technological industries.

It will be a starting point for a brand new Silk Road.