China set a new record for railway passenger trips during the first five months of 2026, with nearly 1.97 billion journeys recorded, according to data released on June 13 by the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway).
The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 5.7 percent, reflecting sustained growth in domestic travel demand and the continued expansion of the country's high-speed rail network. The record-breaking volume underscores the recovery and expansion of passenger mobility across China's vast railway system, which has become a backbone of domestic transportation.
A significant driver of this growth has been China's expanded visa-free transit policies, which have encouraged a surge in international visitors traveling by rail. China Railway reported that foreign passenger trips exceeded 10.02 million during the January to May period, marking a dramatic increase of 35.5 percent compared to the same period last year. The visa-free transit policy, now covering 54 countries with stays of up to 144 hours in eligible cities, has made rail travel a convenient option for international tourists and business travelers exploring multiple Chinese destinations.
Cross-border rail services also posted strong gains. The China-Laos Railway, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative connecting Kunming in southwest China with Vientiane, handled 167,000 passenger trips during the five-month period, up 35 percent year on year. Meanwhile, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway recorded 14.53 million cross-border trips, an increase of 14.5 percent, highlighting the growing integration of the Greater Bay Area's transportation network.
China Railway has been actively collaborating with local cultural and tourism authorities to boost rail-linked tourism. The company operated 1,400 tourist trains nationwide during the first five months of 2026, offering themed travel experiences that combine scenic routes with cultural destinations. These initiatives align with the government's broader push to stimulate domestic consumption and promote tourism as an economic driver.
In addition to expanding capacity, China Railway has introduced a range of service improvements aimed at enhancing passenger experience. New preferential policies for elderly travelers have been rolled out, including priority seating and discounted fares during off-peak periods. The expansion of \"quiet carriage\" services, where passengers are asked to keep noise to a minimum, has grown in popularity. The company has also launched pet-friendly travel services on select routes, allowing passengers to bring small cats and dogs aboard in designated carriages.
The record passenger figures and service expansions reflect China's ongoing investment in railway infrastructure and its commitment to making rail travel more accessible and comfortable for both domestic and international passengers. As the summer travel season approaches, China Railway is expected to deploy additional capacity to meet anticipated demand.
Sources: gov.cn/SCIO
