China is preparing for a significant spike in cross-border travel during the upcoming May Day holiday, with authorities forecasting daily inbound and outbound passenger flows to average 2.25 million. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) recently stated that single-day peaks are expected to exceed 2.4 million passengers.
The five-day holiday period, commencing on May 1, 2026, traditionally ranks among the busiest travel windows of the year. This surge is primarily fueled by robust demand for international tourism and family reunions across borders.
Major international aviation hubs are set to experience substantial increases in traffic. According to NIA projections, Shanghai Pudong International Airport will see average daily cross-border flows of around 102,000 passengers, while Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is expected to handle approximately 55,000 daily.
Land ports connecting the Chinese mainland with the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in the south are also bracing for heavy congestion. Daily passenger volumes are forecast to reach about 230,000 at Shenzhen's Luohu Port. Meanwhile, Zhuhai's Gongbei Port and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port are projected to process around 396,000 and 129,000 passengers per day, respectively.
In response to the anticipated crowds, border authorities have announced plans to enhance staffing levels and implement targeted traffic management measures. These steps aim to ensure smooth, orderly, and efficient border crossings throughout the peak holiday travel period, facilitating the movement of millions of residents and visitors.
Reference(s):
China expects surge in cross-border travel during May Day holiday
cgtn.com
