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China Railways Sets Single-Day Record With 24.8 Million Passengers

Holiday travel points to a tourism rebound that is shoring up domestic spending.

People walk on a platform after disembarking from a train at Shanghai South Railway Station during the five-day Labour Day holiday in Shanghai, China May 4, 2025. REUTERS/Go Nakamura
People stand in the concourse of Hangzhou South Railway Station while waiting for their trains during the five-day Labour Day holiday in Hangzhou, China May 4, 2025. REUTERS/Go Nakamura
People disembark from a train after arriving at Hangzhou South Railway Station during the five-day Labour Day holiday in Hangzhou, China May 4, 2025. REUTERS/Go Nakamura
Passengers wait to board trains at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. China's railway network has sold 117 million tickets so far for the May Day holiday period

Overview

  • China State Railway Group said the network carried a record 24.8 million passengers during the Labour Day travel rush.
  • The operator expected about 19.7 million more travelers the next day, keeping trains and stations under heavy strain.
  • Railways added capacity on key routes, including 140 extra trains from Zhengzhou and 184 from Chengdu, to handle peak flows.
  • Officials reported that the added services eased congestion during the busiest periods, helping trips run more smoothly.
  • Analysts said the surge reflects stronger domestic tourism that is helping offset weak consumption and property-market pressures.