China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) forecasts a daily average of 2.15 million cross-border trips during the five-day May Day holiday, marking a 27% year-on-year increase as travel demand rebounds across Asia. The holiday period, running from May 1 to 5, is expected to see peak traffic on its opening and closing days.
Major international airports are preparing for significant activity, with Shanghai Pudong projected to handle 101,000 daily crossings—doubling the expected traffic at Guangzhou Baiyun (50,000) and Beijing Capital (45,000). The surge reflects growing tourism, business exchanges, and regional connectivity.
Travel between the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao regions continues to rise, boosted by cultural events and streamlined transit policies. NIA officials emphasized enhanced monitoring of border checkpoints to manage congestion, pledging wait times under 30 minutes through optimized staffing.
Analysts note the uptick underscores Asia’s post-pandemic economic recovery and deepening cross-regional integration, with implications for hospitality, aviation, and consumer sectors. Travelers are advised to monitor real-time updates from border authorities.
