China’s transportation networks were abuzz with activity on May 1, 2025, as the country marked the start of its five-day May Day holiday with a record-breaking travel surge. According to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., the national railway system handled an unprecedented 150 million passenger trips on the first day, reflecting an 11.7% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure set a new daily record for railway travel, underscoring the immense demand for domestic and outbound tourism during the holiday period.
The Ministry of Transport reported that cross-regional trips are expected to reach approximately 1.42 billion over the five-day holiday, a 4.5% rise from 2024. Heavy road traffic and bustling railway stations, such as Hongqiao Railway Station in Shanghai and Nanjing Railway Station in Jiangsu Province, highlighted the scale of the travel rush. To accommodate the surge, rail authorities deployed 1,636 additional trains on May 2, with projections of 19.3 million trips for the second day.
Inbound tourism also saw remarkable growth, fueled by China’s updated departure tax refund policy, which now allows refunds upon purchase rather than departure. Trip.com Group, a leading online travel agency, reported a 173% year-on-year surge in inbound tourism orders for the holiday period. Popular destinations like Shanghai’s Nanjing Road and Beijing’s Forbidden City were thronged with both domestic and international visitors.
Outbound travel also contributed to the boom, with the National Immigration Administration estimating an average of 2.15 million daily border crossings, a 27% increase from last year. The simplified visa policies and enhanced transportation infrastructure have made China an increasingly attractive destination, with experts predicting domestic tourism spending to reach $968 billion in 2025, up 19% from 2024.
As China continues to invest in high-speed rail and tourism infrastructure, the May Day holiday serves as a testament to the country’s robust economic recovery and growing global appeal. However, the sheer volume of travelers has raised concerns about overcrowding and strain on public services, prompting calls for better crowd management and sustainable tourism practices.
Pictures Source: Xinhua News
