CHINA’S GOLDEN Week holiday travel has broken new records, with more than 2.4 billion trips made across the country during the eight-day break, according to the Ministry of Transport. The figure marks a 6.2% increase from the same period last year and highlights the strength of domestic travel demand.
The extended holiday, which combined National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, ended on Wednesday with a major surge in return travel. Authorities prepared for the rush by adding extra transportation services and expanding infrastructure.
Railways Under Pressure
China State Railway Group reported that Wednesday was the busiest travel day, with around 19 million passengers expected—up 16% from the day before. To meet demand, the company deployed 1,880 additional trains, with more on standby for high-demand routes such as Shanghai–Beijing, Shenzhen–Guangzhou, and Guangzhou–Hong Kong.
Passengers were advised to arrive early and monitor weather conditions, as heavy rain and storms were forecast in key regions including Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, and parts of western China.
EV Travel on the Rise
Electric vehicle (EV) use also saw a major increase, with approximately 12.5 million daily road trips made in new energy vehicles—a 30% rise compared to last year. The government responded by installing temporary EV charging stations along major travel routes to ease congestion and range concerns.
Economic Signal
The record-breaking travel figures are seen as a positive sign for China's domestic economy, especially in sectors like tourism, transport, retail, and services. It also highlights the growing adoption of EVs among Chinese consumers.
As the country returns to work, officials and businesses alike are watching closely to see how the travel boom will translate into broader economic activity in the final quarter of the year.
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