China Prepares for May Day Travel Surge

China is rapidly preparing for the upcoming eight-day travel surge during the May Day holiday, expected from April 29 through May 6. Passenger flow is predicted to peak on Labour Day, May 1.

In an announcement made on April 15, the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) stated that rail tickets for this holiday period are now available. Throughout the holiday, trains across the country will adhere to a peak operational schedule.

China Railway is expected to schedule a minimum of 12,000 trains per day to manage the high demand, which will include adding extra trains and increasing overnight high-speed routes, as well as attaching additional carriages to ensure passenger capacity is met.

The upcoming holiday is expected to see a strong demand for family visits, tourism, and various spring outings.

The Allure of International Travel

Interestingly, a notable number of Chinese travelers are opting for both short-term and mid-range international trips, as they seek more diverse travel experiences. According to a report from Tuniu Travel published on April 14, there has been a 60% rise in group tour bookings alongside a 29% hike in independent travel among tourists originating from mainland China and special autonomous regions, including Hong Kong and Macao.

Authorities have reported over 750,000 outbound and inbound flight bookings for the May Day period, with increases in reservations for destinations like Japan and South Korea rising by 28% year-over-year. While less common, some travelers are also choosing longer trips to Europe, specifically to destinations such as Greece, Italy, and Norway.