China Railway Passenger Traffic Hits Record 224 Billion H1 2025

China's railway network has set a new benchmark, achieving a remarkable 2.24 billion passenger trips in the first half of 2025. This milestone was announced by the national railway operator, marking a significant moment in the country's transportation history.

This impressive figure showcases a 6.7 percent rise compared to the same timeframe last year, as per the latest statistics released by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. The period saw an average of 11,183 trains operating daily, reflecting a 7.5 percent increase year on year.

The peak of this passenger traffic occurred on May 1, coinciding with the first day of the five-day May Day holiday, when the railway service recorded an unprecedented 23 million passenger trips in just one day.

Moreover, the growth in China's domestic passenger journeys has been complemented by a surge in foreign travelers. In the first six months of 2025, foreign visitors took nearly 9.15 million train trips within China, marking a robust 30.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The upward trend in passenger numbers is further evidenced by the rapid expansion of cross-border railway transportation. Notably, the China-Laos Railway reported an impressive 139,000 passenger trips during the same timeframe, which represents a year-on-year increase of 19.1 percent.

Easing visa policies has likely contributed significantly to this growth, inviting more international tourists to explore the vast railway network of China. This increase not only highlights the appeal of rail travel in the country but also underscores the importance of the railway sector in fostering international tourism.

As the first half of 2025 draws to a close, these figures present a positive outlook for the future of China's railway system. The sustained growth in passenger numbers showcases the resilience and adaptability of the transportation sector in response to changing travel dynamics.

Overall, the success in railway passenger traffic emphasizes the critical role of railways in China's transportation infrastructure, as well as the growing integration of international travel in the nation's tourism landscape.