Record-Breaking Railway Travel in China Kicks Off National Holiday
China’s National Day Holiday Spurs Record Railway Travel
Record-Breaking Railway Journeys during China’s National Day
China’s National Day holiday commenced with a significant surge in railway travel, setting a new record. According to state media outlet CCTV, 23.13 million trips were recorded on the first day of the holiday, marking an increase of nearly 8% compared to the previous year. On the second day, more than 19 million railway trips were anticipated, further highlighting the popularity of train travel during this period.
Yangtze River Delta Railway Sees Tremendous Growth
The Yangtze River Delta Railway alone anticipated handling four million passengers, reflecting a more than 10% increase from the previous year. This region continues to be a major hub of activity during the holiday, demonstrating the extensive reach and capacity of China’s railway network.
Holiday Travel: A Key Economic Indicator
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is expected to release comprehensive travel data following the conclusion of the holiday on October 8. This data will be pivotal in assessing consumer demand and the overall health of the Chinese economy. Predictions from the Ministry of Transport estimate around 2.36 billion passenger trips will occur nationwide over the holiday period, with a daily average of 295 million trips. This signifies a 3.2% increase compared to 2024.
Historical Context and Economic Implications
In comparison, the holiday period in 2024 saw 21.45 million trips on the national railway network on October 1, setting a record at that time. Just a few years earlier, in 2019, the number was notably lower at 17.13 million. This year, the holiday overlaps with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, extending the usual celebrations from one week to an impressive eight days.
Travel Trends and Economic Insights
Social media platforms like Xiaohongshu have been bustling with users sharing tips on cost-effective travel strategies, such as taking overnight trains to save on accommodation expenses. This holiday period is traditionally one of the peak travel times in China’s calendar. Trip.com Group had projected that 2025 would be among the busiest travel periods in recent years.
Boosting Domestic Spending amid Economic Slowdowns
This extended holiday is viewed as an opportunity to stimulate sluggish domestic economic growth. There is a growing trend among travelers to choose lesser-known, budget-friendly destinations in smaller cities. Deng Xin, a resident of Beijing, captures this sentiment, stating, “I’m taking my family to a village in Chizhou, Anhui. There are mountains and rivers, but no crowds, and the price is far more affordable than hotels in big cities.”
As China’s travel landscape continues to evolve, this holiday season is seen as a potential catalyst for boosting consumer spending and rejuvenating economic vitality across the nation.
