As golden autumn hues meet fluttering red national flags, China's rare alignment of National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival has created an unprecedented 8-day holiday frenzy. Over 336 million cross-regional trips were recorded on October 1 alone – a 1.7% increase from 2022 – with subsequent days maintaining momentum through 300+ million daily travelers.
The transportation network has transformed into vibrant corridors of celebration, with highways witnessing endless caravans of family vehicles and high-speed rail stations operating at near-full capacity. Aviation authorities reported 90% seat occupancy rates on domestic flights as residents reunited with loved ones or embarked on cultural pilgrimages.
From Beijing's Tiananmen Square dawn ceremonies to Suzhou's mooncake-making workshops, local governments have curated 1,200+ cultural events blending revolutionary history with traditional customs. Shanghai's Huangpu River dazzled visitors with drone light shows depicting lunar legends, while Xi'an's terracotta warriors museum extended hours to accommodate 40% more visitors than last year.
This travel boom signals robust consumer confidence, with tourism revenue projected to surpass 2019 levels by 15%. Analysts note the surge reflects both pent-up demand and growing preference for domestic cultural experiences amid Asia's rapid economic rebalancing.
