China has added 288 new air cargo routes over one year, with enhanced loading capacity and an expanded route network, according to a report released by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing on Friday.
According to the report, between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025, 288 new air cargo routes were established across the country. Among them, 243 are international routes, creating a network that spans six continents.
The new international routes primarily focus on Asia and Europe, with nearly half targeting Asian destinations and 88 connecting to Europe. There are also 29 new routes to North America.
These cargo routes primarily transport three types of goods: e-commerce goods, electronic products, and general freight.
"The development of China's air logistics, especially the increasingly dense network of air routes, plays a crucial role in facilitating the export of Chinese products, especially high-end items suitable for air transportation. Therefore, it will significantly bolster the development of China's foreign trade," said Cui Zhongfu, chief economist at the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.
In addition, during the same period, 45 new domestic air cargo routes were launched, focusing primarily on the transportation of mail, express mail, fresh cold chain products, and e-commerce goods.
Among them, routes for fresh cold chain products account for more than 29 percent of the total, significantly surpassing other cargo routes.
The Jiaxing Global Aviation Logistics Hub project, China's second dedicated air cargo hub, is scheduled to be put into operation at the end of this year. The hub has a total land area of about 520 hectares, with a total investment of 2.11 billion U.S. dollars,
The hub will involve Jiaxing Airport's main structure, freight transport, supporting facilities, and the aviation logistics of YTO Express, a major parcel delivery company in China.
China's air cargo routes increase, route network expands: report
Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province saw a soaring number of visitors from abroad on Thursday, the first day of 2026 and also the opening day of China's three-day New Year holiday, as festive celebrations unfolded across the city.
Major border checkpoints in the city recorded peak inbound passenger flows, with large numbers of travelers from Hong Kong, Macao and overseas entering the city to experience its vibrant holiday vibes.
"I'm so happy 'cause this is the first day of 2026, and I'm bringing my friends to visit Shenzhen," said a visitor from Hong Kong.
International tourists also shared their excitement.
"It's a very modern city and it's interesting to see such a New Year Eve in such a city," said an overseas visitor.
The inbound passenger flow at Luohu Port peaked from 8:00 to 20:00 on Thursday, said an officer there, adding the average daily passenger flow during the New Year break is expected to reach about 240,000.
At the West Kowloon Station port, eye-catching red decorations themed around the upcoming 2026 Spring Festival which will mark the beginning of the Year of the Horse added to the festive mood.
As a key transportation hub of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the port also saw heavy two-way passenger traffic. Daily cross-border passenger flow there is expected to average around 100,000 during the holiday.
An Australian tourist said he was looking forward to his trip to south China.
"I am from Melbourne, Australia and I'm coming to Guangzhou and Shenzhen in China. I'm excited to see all the tall buildings, especially all the ones that light up and experience a new culture in China." said a tourist.
Outside the ports, celebrations were in full swing as the city prepared for rising visitor numbers.
A large-scale parade featuring more than 30 themed formations kicked off in the morning along the 1.6-kilometer Festival Avenue in Shenzhen's Futian District.
The event drew huge crowds with inflatable cartoon characters, lively drum performances, and traditional Yingge Dance -- a form of folk dance popular in south China's Guangdong Province that merges opera, dance, and martial arts.
Nearby commercial zones also rolled out special consumption coupons, allowing visitors to enjoy a one-stop experience combining festive celebrations and shopping.
"The atmosphere is really nice. We feel very welcomed here. It's a very, very international vibe", said an international visitor.
China continues to grow in popularity as a destination for overseas travelers. Data from online tourism platforms show that inbound flight bookings to China rose 20 percent year on year on the first day of the holiday, with Shenzhen ranking fifth among the country's most popular inbound travel destinations.
"On the first day of holiday, international flight ticket purchases to Shenzhen has increased by 52.5 percent while the international flight bookings to the city has grown by 33 percent," said Shi Ke, a researcher from big data research institute of Qunar, an online travel service provider.
Shenzhen embraces influx of visitors on first day of 2026
