China is preparing for an unprecedented travel surge as authorities predict a daily average of 2 million border crossings during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday starting October 1. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced Sunday that ports nationwide will face peak traffic on October 1 and October 6, driven by pent-up travel demand and relaxed entry policies.
This year's holiday marks the first major travel period since China implemented visa-free entry programs for select countries and resumed international flight routes suspended during the pandemic. Analysts suggest the dual festivals – combining patriotic celebrations with traditional family reunions – create a unique momentum for both domestic and international mobility.
'We've coordinated with transportation and customs departments to implement real-time flow monitoring and dynamic staffing adjustments,' an NIA spokesperson stated, emphasizing measures to ensure smooth clearance processes. Over 200 major ports will extend operating hours during peak periods to accommodate travelers.
The surge holds significance for multiple sectors:
Business professionals monitor cross-border spending patterns
Cultural explorers benefit from reopened regional tourism routes
Asian diaspora communities reconnect through eased travel protocols
While the influx signals economic recovery in China's travel sector, authorities remind travelers to verify entry requirements for destination countries and regions. The administration's preparedness test reflects lessons learned from previous holiday bottlenecks, with upgraded smart inspection systems now operational at 90% of major ports.
