China's National Day holiday sees travel surge as tourists hit the road
With only a three-day gap between the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday and the National Day holiday this year, the combined holiday period has created an extended window for travel, prompting many people to embark on longer trips.
China's National Day holiday has sparked a surge in travel, with tourists venturing from major cities to picturesque rural areas. The three-day gap between this year's Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays has created a prolonged window for travel. China Railway has responded to the increased demand by adding overnight high-speed trains and sleeper cars, with about 13,000 trains expected to run across the country daily.
Major railway stations, such as Shanghai Hongqiao, have even extended their operating hours to meet the heightened demand. Trains now arrive or depart every five minutes during peak periods, akin to rush hour subway services in large cities.
Overnight services have been particularly popular with families traveling with children, providing a more comfortable experience. One family, for instance, traveled from Beijing to Kunming via an overnight sleeper train to enjoy Yunnan's famous mushroom hotpot. By 6 am, the crew had made two wake-up calls for passengers arriving at their destination. Families and young travelers alike have been seen throughout the trains, crossing multiple provinces and regions while gaining substantial elevation.
While major cities like Beijing and Shanghai remain popular, many travelers are also exploring lesser-known destinations. With improved transportation and tourism infrastructure, these areas have become increasingly accessible. In Burqin County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the holiday coincides with the region's autumn season, attracting large numbers of visitors.
Mr. Lin and his family flew from Guangzhou to Altay Xuedu Airport and embarked on a scenic drive along the 209-kilometer Ahe Highway, immersing themselves in the autumn scenery. The county is promoting cultural and tourism activities to entice visitors, who are extending their stays due to the diverse experiences offered.
Self-driving travel has also contributed to the holiday rush, with highways experiencing heavy traffic. At the Wuzhuang toll station, traffic surged to 150,000 vehicles on the first day of the holiday, more than quadruple its usual volume. At Meicun Service Area along the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway, drivers spent an average of 25 minutes at the stop, enjoying refreshments and entertainment.
This diverse range of travel experiences is fueling China's vibrant holiday economy, with travelers opting for both overnight journeys and long-distance road trips.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
