China’s Railway Passenger Trips Reach Record High in Early 2025
China’s railway network witnessed a historic surge in passenger trips during the first two months of 2025, hitting an all-time high of 726 million journeys. This marks a 4.7% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
The significant rise is attributed to the annual Spring Festival travel rush, which saw millions of people traversing the country to reunite with their families. The overlap of students, workers, and tourists on the move contributed to the spike in cross-regional travel.
To accommodate this booming demand, an average of 11,605 passenger trains operated daily during this period, an 8.7% year-on-year increase. China’s railway services continue to enhance the travel experience, offering convenient transfers at 120 stations and internet food-ordering services at 89 stations nationwide.
International travel also saw substantial growth. The China-Laos Railway carried 59,000 cross-border passengers in January and February, a massive 57.9% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the smooth operation of China-Mongolia and China-Russia international passenger trains has facilitated cross-border exchanges and boosted tourism consumption.
As China’s railway network expands and modernizes, it not only supports domestic travel but also strengthens connections with neighboring countries, fostering cultural and economic ties across borders.
