China's national railway network reported a new record for passenger trips on the first day of its eight-day National Day holiday. State media confirmed 23.13 million journeys were made on Wednesday, October 1, marking an almost 8% increase compared to the previous year's figures for the same day. This surge highlights a significant return to travel activity across the country.
Key Takeaways
- China's railway network recorded 23.13 million trips on October 1, a new single-day record.
- This figure represents an almost 8% increase from the previous year's National Day holiday start.
- The extended eight-day holiday combines the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Authorities hope the travel surge will boost domestic economic spending.
- Smaller, less-known cities are gaining popularity among budget-conscious travelers.
Record-Breaking Start to National Holiday Travel
On the opening day of China's extended National Day holiday, the country's railway system experienced unprecedented passenger volume. According to CCTV, the state broadcaster, a total of 23.13 million trips were completed across the national railway network on Wednesday, October 1. This number surpasses all previous single-day records for railway travel in China.
The latest figures show a notable increase of nearly 8% when compared to the 21.45 million trips recorded on October 1, 2024. This earlier figure had itself been a record at the time. The consistent upward trend in travel demand underscores the importance of this holiday period for domestic tourism and transport.
Important Travel Statistics
- October 1, 2025: 23.13 million railway trips (New Record)
- October 1, 2024: 21.45 million railway trips
- October 1, 2019: 17.13 million railway trips
- Projected for October 2, 2025: Over 19 million railway trips
Anticipated Continued High Demand
The robust start to the holiday is expected to continue. CCTV reported that more than 19 million trips were forecast for the railway network on Thursday, October 2. Regional hubs are also seeing significant activity. The Yangtze River Delta Railway, a key transport corridor, was projected to manage four million passengers on Thursday alone. This represents an increase of over 10% from the previous year for that specific region.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is preparing to release comprehensive travel data for the entire holiday period after it officially concludes on October 8. These aggregated statistics will provide a full picture of the holiday's impact on domestic travel and tourism.
The Extended Holiday Period
This year's National Day holiday is unique because it has been extended from the usual one week to a full eight days. This extension coincides with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, creating a longer window for people to travel and engage in leisure activities. The longer break provides more flexibility for travelers to plan extended trips.
"The holiday period is traditionally one of the busiest on China's travel calendar," noted a representative from Trip.com Group. The online travel agency had previously forecast that 2025 would be one of the busiest travel periods in recent years, a prediction that now appears accurate.
Economic Boost and Changing Travel Trends
Authorities are closely watching the holiday season's performance. There is a strong expectation that the increased travel and leisure activities will provide a significant boost to domestic spending. This is particularly important given recent periods of sluggish economic growth. The government hopes that a surge in consumer activity will help stimulate the broader economy.
Interestingly, new travel patterns are emerging among Chinese travelers. Smaller, less-known cities are becoming increasingly popular holiday destinations. This shift is driven by cost-conscious travelers who are looking for more affordable options compared to major urban centers.
Background on Chinese Holidays
China's National Day holiday, often called 'Golden Week,' is one of the most important public holidays. It typically runs for seven days starting October 1. This year, its alignment with the Mid-Autumn Festival has extended it to eight days, providing an extended period for family reunions and travel. These holidays are critical for domestic tourism and consumption, often seeing millions of people traveling across the country.
Budget-Friendly Travel Choices
Travelers are actively seeking ways to manage their expenses during the holiday. Deng Xin, a 51-year-old resident of Beijing, shared his family's plans. "I'm taking my family to a village in Chizhou, Anhui," he stated. "There are mountains and rivers, but no crowds, and the price is far more affordable than hotels in big cities." This sentiment reflects a growing trend towards value-oriented travel.
Social media platforms like Xiaohongshu have become a hub for exchanging money-saving travel tips. Users frequently share advice on how to reduce costs, including suggestions for taking evening trains. This strategy allows travelers to save on accommodation expenses by sleeping on the train during their journey.
The focus on budget-friendly travel to destinations outside of traditional tourist hotspots indicates a maturation of the domestic tourism market. It also highlights the adaptability of Chinese consumers in response to economic conditions, ensuring that travel remains accessible to a wider demographic.
