China’s railway system recorded a staggering 23.13 million trips on the first day of the National Day holiday, marking an 8% increase from last year and setting a new single-day travel record.
The surge in travel comes as the eight-day holiday coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, prompting millions of domestic travelers to visit family and tourist destinations. In addition, rising consumer confidence and easing COVID-19 restrictions have boosted domestic tourism.
Railway authorities reported that high-speed trains, regional services, and long-distance routes experienced unprecedented passenger volumes. Extra trains were deployed to meet demand, and stations implemented enhanced crowd management measures to ensure safety.
Tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an saw significant inflows, with hotels and transport services operating at near-full capacity. Local governments coordinated with travel agencies to manage logistics and provide seamless experiences for holidaymakers.
Experts say this milestone reflects China’s economic resilience, as strong domestic consumption drives both tourism and broader economic activity. The travel surge also benefits the service industry, including hospitality, retail, and dining sectors.
In conclusion, the record-setting railway trips highlight China’s robust domestic travel market and the public’s enthusiasm for holiday travel. Authorities continue monitoring passenger flows to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the remainder of the National Day holiday.
