China's massive transportation system was estimated to have handled a staggering 166.3 million passenger trips on Wednesday, the second day of the landmark chunyun, or the annual Spring Festival travel rush.
The country's railway network was estimated to have handled 11 million passenger trips on the day, with 554 additional passenger trains arranged to meet the demand.
As of 20:00, the railway ticketing platform 12306 had sold a total of 132 million tickets for the 40-day Spring Festival travel period, which began on Tuesday and will continue through Feb. 22.
On the highways, the second day of the Spring Festival travel season saw smooth and orderly traffic nationwide. The roads were bustling with students, migrant workers, and freight vehicles.
In terms of waterway transportation, an estimated 500,000 passenger trips were made on Wednesday.
In aviation, 2.18 million passengers were expected to travel by air on Wednesday, highlighting the robust demand during the travel rush.
To facilitate the traveling of passengers, the airports and railway stations nationwide have rolled out multiple measures of convenience.
At the Gaoqi International Airport in east China's Fujian Province, travelers at the departure hall can complete check-in and baggage handling without passing through the customs.
They only need to go through a single security check of their carry-on baggage before boarding.
At the Ganzhou West Railway Station in east China's Jiangxi Province, a baby care area has been set up to provide a comfortable space for the little travelers when they are waiting for their trains.
Children's books are available at the area and there are volunteers to help parents with their children.
As the Spring Festival is just around the corner, the festival atmosphere of the traditional Chinese New Year holiday on the train is getting stronger and stronger.
In southwest China's Sichuan Province, China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has launched themed high-speed trains to present the passengers performances featuring intangible culture heritage such as the traditional flute and folk songs of the local Qiang ethnic minority group, allowing passengers to experience the unique charm of Qiang culture on board.
On international trains from Kunming, capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province, to Vientiane, capital of Laos, Chinese and Lao railway staff and performers offer more than 50 cultural performances to passengers.
China handles 166 mln trips on 2nd day of Spring Festival Travel Rush
China handles 166 mln trips on 2nd day of Spring Festival Travel Rush
