China's railways handled a record 3.71 billion passenger trips in the first nine months of 2026, marking a 4.8 percent increase year-on-year. This surge was driven by expanded rail services and growing demand for tourism and cross-border travel, boosting passenger traffic significantly.

An average of 11,511 passenger trains operated daily during this period, reflecting a 5.3 percent rise from the previous year, according to China State Railway Group, the national railway operator.

The operator enhanced services on popular routes and utilized newly opened high-speed railway lines, such as the Xiong'an-Shangqiu section of the Beijing-Hong Kong high-speed railway and the Harbin-Yichun high-speed railway.

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Rail travel among foreign passengers experienced particularly strong growth, with 19 million trips made by foreign nationals, up 33.4 percent year-on-year. Cross-border rail services also saw robust growth. The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed railway handled 25.85 million cross-border passenger trips, an 11.8 percent increase, while the China-Laos Railway carried 265,000 cross-border trips, up 37.8 percent.

Tourism-related rail services expanded as well, with 2,860 tourist train services operating nationwide, a 25.5 percent increase from the previous year, providing travelers access to scenic destinations and cultural attractions. Additionally, 947 special train services were arranged for passengers attending concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, and other activities.

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The railway operator also expanded passenger services, including quiet carriages, pet transportation, and luggage assistance. Quiet carriages are now available on more than 8,000 electric multiple-unit trains, while pet transportation services cover 163 high-speed railway stations and 392 trains.

The operator stated it would continue improving transport capacity and passenger services to meet growing travel demand.