BEIJING, October 2, 2026: China’s week-long National Day holiday has triggered a major travel rush, with the Ministry of Transport expecting about 2.13 billion cross-regional passenger trips between October 1 and October 7. Crowded railway stations, airports and highways are marking the start of one of the country’s busiest annual travel periods.
The holiday combines National Day celebrations with the traditional Golden Week travel period, making it an important test of domestic tourism and consumer activity. The scale of movement also gives businesses and policymakers an early indication of travel demand during the holiday season. citeturn0search3
2.13 billion trips expected
China’s Ministry of Transport expects approximately 2.13 billion cross-regional trips during the seven-day holiday. The figure includes movements by road, rail, air and waterways and reflects the enormous scale of domestic travel in China.
Railway stations see heavy crowds
Major railway stations have seen large numbers of passengers since the holiday began on October 1. China’s high-speed rail network plays a central role in Golden Week travel, connecting major cities with tourist destinations and family-home regions.
Why Golden Week is important
Golden Week is not only a holiday period but also an important economic indicator. Hotels, restaurants, airlines, railway operators, shopping centers and tourist attractions typically experience increased demand.
Tourism and consumer spending
Travel activity can influence spending across multiple sectors. Visitors spend on accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, attractions and shopping. Businesses therefore prepare months in advance for the holiday rush.
Domestic tourism remains a major focus
China’s large domestic market allows millions of residents to travel without leaving the country. Popular destinations include major cities, historic sites, mountains, coastal areas and cultural attractions.
Shanghai among the busy travel hubs
Shanghai is one of the country’s major transport centers and has experienced heavy passenger traffic during the holiday. Railway stations and airports are important gateways for travelers visiting the city and surrounding regions.
Highways also face increased pressure
Road travel contributes substantially to Golden Week movement. Traffic volumes can rise sharply on major expressways, particularly around large cities and popular tourist destinations.
Air travel adds to the surge
Airports across China are handling additional holiday passengers. Airlines typically increase capacity on popular routes, while travelers are advised to allow extra time for security checks and airport procedures.
Impact on hotels and restaurants
Higher visitor numbers can provide a major boost to hotels, restaurants and local tourism businesses. Popular destinations often see accommodation prices and occupancy rates change during peak travel periods.
Economic significance
Strong holiday travel can support China’s service sector at a time when policymakers are seeking stronger domestic consumption. Tourism spending provides income for transportation, hospitality, retail and entertainment businesses.
Safety and crowd management
Large-scale travel also creates logistical challenges. Transport authorities must manage crowds, road congestion, weather-related disruptions and emergency response capacity while keeping passengers moving efficiently.
What travelers should expect
Passengers can expect crowded transport hubs, busy roads and longer waiting times at major attractions during peak days. Advance reservations and checking transport updates can help reduce disruption.
Golden Week and China’s economy
Economists and businesses will examine holiday travel and spending figures for signs of consumer confidence. Strong tourism activity could provide support for restaurants, retail and other service industries, although one holiday period cannot by itself determine the broader economic trend.
International attention
China’s holiday travel figures are also watched internationally because the country is one of the world’s largest tourism markets. Changes in domestic travel patterns can influence airlines, hotels and destinations that depend on Chinese visitors.
What happens after October 7
After the holiday ends, authorities will publish additional transport and tourism data. The final figures will provide a clearer picture of actual travel volumes, spending and congestion during the week.
NewsNationOnline will continue China coverage through its International section, Business section and Travel section. Readers can follow official government information through the State Council.
Source note: The 2.13 billion projected trips figure comes from China’s Ministry of Transport as reported through Reuters Connect/EFE. The figure is a forecast for October 1–7, not a final count. citeturn0search3
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