The celebration of the eight-day National Day & Mid-Autumn Festival holiday in the Chinese mainland set new records for cross-regional travel, with the Ministry of Transport reporting a staggering 1.24 billion passenger trips in just the first half of the break.
Saturday alone marked a high point: 301.29 million journeys—a 6.1% year-on-year jump. On average, more than 310 million trips were logged each day, reflecting a robust appetite for exploration and connection.
Mode-by-Mode Highlights
- Rail: 18.33 million trips, up 4.5%
- Waterways: 1.91 million trips, up 5.6%
- Air: 2.32 million trips, up 4.1%
- Road: 278.73 million trips, up 6.2%
This surge isn’t just about numbers—it signals a rebound in domestic tourism, powered by seamless high-speed rail, digital ticketing innovations, and a growing desire for immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences. For entrepreneurs and investors, it highlights opportunities in travel tech and sustainable tourism. For digital nomads and young explorers, it’s an invitation to rediscover local cultures and landscapes in the Chinese mainland like never before.
As global travelers seek fresh perspectives, the record-breaking holiday rush offers a case study in how connectivity and innovation can drive economic momentum and cultural exchange across regions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
