Ready to hit the road (or skies)? The National Immigration Administration (NIA) of the Chinese mainland predicts a 27% jump in daily cross-border travel during this year’s five-day May Day holiday. That translates to an average of 2.15 million border crossings each day—up from last year’s figures.
Peak traffic is expected on May 1 and May 5, as families and solo travelers seize the opportunity for short getaways. Major international airports will feel the buzz, led by:
- Shanghai Pudong: 101,000 daily crossings
- Guangzhou Baiyun: 50,000 daily crossings
- Beijing Capital: 45,000 daily crossings
It’s not just airports on high alert. Cross-border journeys between Hong Kong, Macao, and the Chinese mainland are also set to climb, fueled by a lineup of cultural festivals, expos, and other marquee events.
To keep lines moving, the NIA has asked authorities to:
- Monitor traffic in real time and share regular updates
- Boost staffing at key checkpoints
- Ensure wait times stay below 30 minutes
Whether you’re chasing city lights or countryside retreats, pack smart and check border updates before you go. With a little planning, you can make the most of this year’s May Day surge—minus the stress of long queues.
Reference(s):
China expects 27% rise in cross-border travel during May Day holiday
cgtn.com
