Train tickets for the first day of this year's coming May Day holiday travel period went on sale Thursday, according to China Railway Corporation.
During this year's holiday, strong travel demand for family visits, tourism, and spring outing purposes is anticipated to drive positive growth in rail passenger volumes, it said.
Railways nationwide will operate under a peak schedule during the period, with plans for over 12,000 passenger trains to operate each day on average.
To meet the diverse needs of passengers, the country's railway department recently rolled out multi-ride ticket products for travelers, making travel more convenient. These tickets can be used as usual during the holiday.
Multi-ride tickets cover a broad selection of popular tourist destinations and allow easy instant booking for multi-day journeys. China's railway system has so far launched 28 multi-destination tourist routes with the tickets.
"Multi-ride ticket for traveling is suitable for independent travelers visiting popular tourist areas, without specifying particular train number, allowing for booking at anytime and itinerary change without requiring payment of handling fees," said Wang Lu, train conductor of Nanchang passenger traffic section, China Railway's Nanchang branch.
"Cross-border travelers can make reservations for relevant international train services as soon as they place relevant orders on (official online railway ticket-booking platform) 12306," said Liu Hui, head of Shenzhen North Railway Station, China Railway Guangzhou Group.
Train tickets go on sale for China's 2025 May Day holiday travel rush
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
