China's railway expected to handle 74 million passenger trips during Mid-Autumn Festival

During the five-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, China's national railway expects 74 million passenger trips, starting this Saturday. This period blends tourism, family visits, and student travel, with Monday projected as the peak travel day. To accommodate the surge, over 11,100 daily passenger trains will operate, including festive slow-speed trains in popular tourist hubs. Airports are also bustling, with Beijing Capital International Airport handling high passenger volumes. The festival, celebrated on September 17 this year, unites families in moon-gazing, mooncake-sharing, and lantern-lighting traditions.

China's national railway anticipates a bustling five-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday with an estimated 74 million passenger trips set to traverse the country's railway network, commencing this Saturday, as announced by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

This festive period, spanning three days from Sunday, promises a harmonious mix of tourism, family gatherings, and student excursions, ensuring a steady stream of passengers on the railways, according to the railway authorities. The peak of this travel extravaganza is foreseen on Monday, with an impressive 16.8 million passenger journeys projected.

To manage this surge in travelers, the national railway has devised a plan to operate an average of over 11,100 passenger trains daily, a notable increase of more than 590 trains compared to regular operations. Notably, in popular tourist hubs like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Guiyang in southwest China, special slow-speed trains adorned with festive Mid-Autumn elements are in service. Local vendors have also hopped on board, offering their fresh produce during the journey.

While civil aviation operations remained relatively stable on Saturday, the Civil Aviation Administration of China is bracing for a total of 17,847 flights and 2.19 million passengers during this period, marking an uptick of about 1,000 flights compared to standard operations. The most sought-after routes are concentrated in major city clusters such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.

Airports in popular autumn destinations like Jiayuguan are primed for a notable year-on-year increase in passenger flow. Moreover, for outbound travel, cities in neighboring countries like Tokyo, Osaka, and Seoul are witnessing heightened interest as well.

In terms of air travel statistics, Beijing Capital International Airport noted a passenger volume of approximately 194,800 on Saturday, with 1,213 flights taking off and landing. The flow is expected to remain robust throughout the holiday, with Wednesday's estimates pegged at 194,500 passengers and 1,198 flights scheduled.

As the last working day before the holiday commenced, road congestion in Beijing intensified on Saturday. The evening rush hour started earlier than usual at 15:00, extending into the evening. Traffic delays are expected to linger until around 20:00, especially in bustling business districts and dining precincts.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, a cherished Chinese tradition, falls on the night of the full moon on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which this year aligns with September 17. During this festival, families come together to gaze at the moon, share mooncakes, and illuminate lanterns, fostering a sense of unity and joy.