China recorded a staggering 657 million cross-regional trips during the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, signaling a robust rebound in domestic travel and economic activity. Official data revealed a 3% year-on-year increase in daily trips, averaging 219 million per day from May 31 to June 2.
Railways remained a key artery for mobility, with 47.1 million passenger trips logged nationwide. Daily rail travel rose 2.3% compared to 2023, reflecting sustained demand for efficient intercity connectivity. Road travel dominated the holiday exodus, accounting for 600 million trips at a daily average of 200 million – a 3.14% annual growth that underscores the vitality of China's highway network.
Water transport and civil aviation also saw steady activity, handling 2.88 million and 5.6 million trips respectively. The figures highlight balanced growth across transportation sectors during one of China's most culturally significant holidays.
Analysts note the travel surge aligns with broader economic recovery trends, offering insights into consumer confidence and domestic tourism's role in driving regional development. The Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated with dragon boat races and zongzi rice dumplings, continues to serve as both cultural anchor and economic catalyst across the Chinese mainland.
