China's Rail Network Facilitates 77.8 Million Passenger Journeys During New Year Holiday

China’s extensive rail network serves as a vital artery for domestic travel, particularly during peak holiday periods, connecting millions of people across the country. The ongoing expansion and modernization of its infrastructure remain central to national connectivity and economic development.

For the recent New Year holiday, which ran from December 31, 2025, to January 4, 2026, China State Railway Group projected that the national rail system would handle 77.8 million passenger trips over the five‑day period, with January 1, 2026 expected to be the busiest travel day.

To manage this significant passenger flow, the railway operator added trains on busy routes, reinforced safety protocols, and optimized services to ensure safe and efficient travel. Such measures reflect the operational planning necessary for managing peak holiday demand in one of the world’s largest rail networks.

During the holiday period, railways also saw peak return flows, with popular departure cities including Guangzhou, Beijing, and Chengdu, and major destinations such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. To meet demand, thousands of additional passenger trains were deployed to supplement regular services.

The substantial holiday travel volumes demonstrate the continued importance of China’s rail system including its high‑speed segments in supporting social mobility and boosting domestic tourism and economic activity.

In 2025, China’s railways recorded nearly 4.59 billion passenger trips across the year, marking a significant increase compared to previous years and underscoring the role of rail transport in everyday life and long‑distance travel.

This ongoing growth and strategic investment including expansion of the high‑speed rail network beyond 50,000 kilometers highlight China’s position as a global leader in rail transport, with continued plans for further development.

Source: CGTN