As the May Day holiday kicked off this week, the Chinese mainland's railway network is gearing up for its busiest period yet. From April 29 to May 6, rail operators expect to handle a staggering 144 million passenger trips, marking a 4.9% jump year-on-year.
Thursday is set to be the peak travel day, with millions hitting the rails to reconnect with family, explore new cities, or simply enjoy a well-deserved break. According to the national railway operator, more than 12,000 passenger trains will run on average each day to meet this demand.
"Digital booking platforms like 12306 have been crucial," said a spokesperson for China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. "We've also added high-speed sleeper trains and extra services on popular routes to keep passengers moving comfortably."
Top destinations this year include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Xi'an, Nanjing and Zhengzhou. Hot ticket routes span Beijing-Shanghai, Xi'an-Chengdu, Beijing-Hohhot, Nanning-Guangzhou, Beijing-Shenyang and Shenzhen-Hong Kong.
This travel surge isn't just a cultural phenomenon—it highlights how high-speed rail innovation and digital tools are reshaping mass mobility, offering greener alternatives to air travel and road traffic.
Whether you're a digital nomad plotting your next adventure or a commuter exploring local gems, this May Day rush showcases the scale and efficiency of modern rail travel on the Chinese mainland. Where will you go next?
Reference(s):
China to handle 144 million railway passenger trips over May Day break
cgtn.com
