China’s railway network recorded a new passenger travel milestone, handling 4.13 billion passenger trips between January and October 2026. The figure represents a 4.7% increase compared with the same period last year and is the highest recorded for the first 10 months of a year.
According to China State Railway Group, the country’s national railway operator, the growth reflects rising travel demand and efforts to expand train capacity and improve passenger services.
Daily Train Operations Increase by 5%
An average of 11,670 passenger trains operated every day across China during the first 10 months of 2026. This was 5% higher than the daily average recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The network also recorded its busiest single day on October 1, the opening day of China’s National Day holiday. A total of 25.2 million passenger trips were recorded that day, while 14,885 trains operated across the country. Both figures established new single-day records.
The numbers highlight the scale of China’s railway operations during major holiday periods, when millions of people travel between cities and regions.
Tourism and Special-Event Train Services Expand
Railway authorities are also increasing services aimed at tourism and organised travel.
Between January and October, China operated 3,236 tourist trains. These included themed services designed around cultural attractions and scenic destinations.
Another 1,084 special trains were arranged for sporting events, concerts, exhibitions and educational trips.
These services indicate how the railway network is being used beyond regular intercity commuting, providing dedicated transport for tourism and large public events.
Cross-Border Railway Travel Records Growth
International and cross-border rail connections also registered higher passenger volumes.
The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway handled 29.23 million cross-border passenger trips during the first 10 months of 2026, representing an 11% year-on-year increase.
Meanwhile, the China-Laos Railway recorded 289,000 passenger trips, up 33% compared with the same period last year.
Foreign nationals also made greater use of China’s railway network. Their combined journeys reached 22.52 million passenger trips, marking a 32.9% increase year-on-year.
China Adds More Passenger-Friendly Services
Alongside expanding capacity, railway authorities have introduced additional facilities to improve the travel experience.
Quiet carriage services have been extended to more than 8,000 high-speed trains, giving passengers more options for travelling in a quieter environment.
Pet transportation services are now available at 170 railway stations and on 420 trains. Luggage delivery services have also been expanded to 212 stations.
These additions are intended to make train travel more convenient for different categories of passengers, including tourists, pet owners and travellers carrying luggage.
Railways Remain Central to China’s Transport Network
The latest figures underline the importance of railways in China’s domestic and cross-border transport system. Higher passenger volumes, expanded train operations and dedicated tourism services are contributing to the network’s growing role in connecting cities and destinations.
The increase in foreign passenger trips and cross-border journeys also points to rising demand for international rail connectivity.
Summary
China’s railway network handled a record 4.13 billion passenger trips between January and October 2026, a 4.7% annual increase. Daily train operations rose 5%, while cross-border travel and foreign passenger journeys also grew. Authorities expanded tourist trains, quiet carriages, pet transportation and luggage delivery services to accommodate rising demand.
