The Chinese mainland rang in this year’s International Workers’ Day—also known as May Day—with a record five-day holiday, thanks to an extra adjusted day off paired with the weekend. Perfect spring weather set the stage for a nationwide travel surge as residents embraced the chance to explore both classic landmarks and hidden gems.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the first day alone saw a staggering 340.95 million domestic trips, reflecting a clear surge in domestic mobility. Here’s how people moved:
- Train: 22.5 million trips (+8.7% year on year)
- Road: 314.76 million trips (+7.8% year on year)
- Water: 1.35 million trips (+53.5% year on year)
- Air: 2.34 million trips (+9.1% year on year)
For digitally connected explorers, the extended break meant time to share spring snapshots from mountain trails and cherry-lined parks, fueling a wave of weekend getaways from coast to countryside. Locals eagerly swapped city skylines for countryside calm.
As the holiday continues, momentum remains high, hinting at similarly strong travel figures throughout the full five-day break. Whether it’s a high-speed rail adventure or a serene river journey, the Chinese mainland’s May Day getaway is setting a vibrant tone for travel in 2024.
For young global citizens and travel enthusiasts alike, this surge shows how thoughtful holiday design, pleasant weather, and digital tools combine to shape modern mobility—where every journey is an opportunity to discover new perspectives.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
