China’s railway network has hit a record-breaking milestone, transporting a staggering 2.24 billion passengers in the first half of 2025, the national railway operator announced on Thursday.
This impressive figure marks a 6.7% increase compared to the same period last year, showcasing the growing popularity of train travel across the nation. On average, 11,183 trains operated daily during this six-month period, up 7.5% year-on-year.
The surge peaked on May 1, the start of the five-day May Day holiday, when over 23 million passenger trips were made in a single day—setting a new all-time high for daily traffic.
Foreign travelers are also embracing China’s railways like never before. With visa policies easing, nearly 9.15 million foreign passengers took train trips within China in the first half of 2025, a significant 30.1% jump from the previous year.
Cross-border journeys saw notable growth as well. The China-Laos Railway recorded 139,000 passenger trips, up 19.1% year-on-year, highlighting the strengthening connectivity between the two countries.
This surge in railway usage reflects China’s ongoing commitment to expanding and enhancing its transportation infrastructure, making travel faster, more efficient, and accessible for residents and visitors alike.
