China's railway network achieved an unprecedented milestone as 23.13 million passenger trips were recorded on Wednesday – the first day of the combined National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. The China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. confirmed this historic single-day figure, underscoring the nation's post-pandemic travel resurgence.
The eight-day holiday period, extended due to the rare overlap of National Day (October 1) and Mid-Autumn Festival (October 6), has triggered what analysts call a "dual demand surge" for family reunions and tourism. Railway authorities have deployed 1,409 additional trains to handle Thursday's estimated 19.3 million trips, with smart luggage solutions and enhanced safety checks implemented at major hubs.
Transport Ministry projections suggest 2.36 billion total passenger trips across all modes during the holiday period – a 3.2% increase from 2024 levels. This travel boom reflects both improved infrastructure and growing consumer confidence in China's domestic tourism sector.
Industry observers note the railway figures serve as a key economic indicator, demonstrating the Chinese mainland's strong domestic consumption capabilities amid global economic uncertainties. The travel spike also highlights successful coordination between transport authorities and regional governments to manage peak holiday flows.
