China’s Ministry of Transport announced a groundbreaking 11.9 billion cross-regional travels during this year’s summer travel season, which lasted from July 1 to August 31. The figure translates to an average of 192 million daily trips, marking a 4.3% increase from last year, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Self-driving travel prevailed, accounting for an anticipated 8.7 billion road trips, or 73% of total population mobility. Rural self-driving getaways became particularly popular as travelers sought scenic escapes and summer retreats. Student trips, study tours, and tourist flows also surged, further fueling China’s tourism-driven consumption growth.
Domestic tourism trips are projected to exceed 2.5 billion this summer, with top destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an in Shaanxi Province.
China State Railway Group reported a milestone achievement, delivering 940 million passenger trips over the two-month period—surpassing 900 million for the first time and setting a new summer record. Weekly rail passenger volume consistently exceeded 100 million, while daily averages reached 15 million, outpacing the Spring Festival rush by 2.2 million trips. Tourism and family visits remained the primary drivers of this steady growth.
Air travel also experienced robust momentum. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, 147 million passenger trips were recorded by air, averaging 2.37 million daily, up 3.6% year-on-year. On August 15, passenger traffic hit 2.56 million in a single day, marking a historic high.
Overall, the 2024 summer season reflects strong recovery and expansion in China’s travel sector, underscoring the growing role of tourism, self-driving adventures, and intercity mobility in boosting economic activity.
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