《Singapore Daily News Oct 3》On October 1, the first day of China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, over 330 million domestic trips were recorded, drawing widespread attention from international media outlets.

Record-Breaking Rail Travel

According to the Modern Diplomacy website, about 23.13 million rail passengers were transported across the country on the first day alone, setting a new single-day record that surpasses last year’s figure of 21.45 million. The report highlighted that such massive travel numbers are seen as a barometer of consumer confidence and economic vitality in the world’s second-largest economy.

Lesser-Known Cities Gaining Popularity

Reuters reported that this year’s holiday spans eight days, coinciding with both National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, traditionally one of China’s peak travel seasons. The report also noted that more Chinese tourists are now choosing smaller, lesser-known cities for their holidays.

Holiday Boost for the Economy

According to the South China Morning Post, visa-free policies and free highway access during the extended holiday are expected to significantly boost travel numbers, benefiting the service sector. The report also suggested that tourism this year may more than double compared to last year.

High-Speed Rail: The Lifeline of Tourism

The U.S.-based Travel and Tourism World noted a historic surge in domestic travel as the holiday began. China’s extensive high-speed rail system has become the preferred mode of travel for many, with bookings hitting record highs. The article described the rail network as the “lifeline” of China’s tourism sector, underlining its crucial role in connecting travelers to major destinations and aiding post-pandemic recovery.

Meanwhile, CNBC cited economists saying that China’s tourism industry is poised for “phenomenal” growth during the holiday period.