About 296 million cross-regional passenger trips are expected in China on Saturday, the first day of the Qingming Festival holiday which runs from April 4 to 6, a 2.7-percent increase compared with the same period of last year, said the Ministry of Transport.
Railway authorities have increased transport capacity to ensure smooth travel for passengers, the ministry said.
China's railway system is expected to handle 21.9 million passenger trips on Saturday, with the transportation sector planning to operate an additional 1,173 passenger trains.
Railway authorities in cities such as Guangzhou and Nanchang have added night high-speed trains starting Saturday to meet travel demand for spring outings and tomb-sweeping activities.
Meanwhile, the country's highway network is expected to handle 64.5 million vehicle trips on the same day.
Also on Saturday, China's waterways are estimated to handle over 1.35 million passenger trips, representing a year-on-year increase of 11.7 percent.
The civil aviation sector is expected to welcome 1.92 million passengers on the same day, with major airlines having increased flights to ensure smooth travel for long-distance passengers.
The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, falls on April 5 this year. It is a traditional Chinese festival for people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. The holiday also provides a short break for people as they engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing.
About 296 million cross-regional passenger trips expected in China on first day of Qingming Festival holiday
High in the Himalayas, Lhasa, the capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, has quietly become one of the country's most caffeinated cities, signaling a fresh business wave in this ancient cultural hub.
With more than 800 coffee shops now serving a population of under one million, the city hosts roughly one cafe for every 1,200 residents, giving it one of the highest cafe densities in the country.
But this is not simply a transplant of Western coffee culture. On Barkhor Street in Lhasa's old town, a historic Buddhist pilgrimage circuit, baristas are stirring centuries-old yak cheese into espresso -- a blend that mirrors the city's transformation from a spiritual center into a modern regional hub.
"We have got this great Xizang-style vibe. There are plenty of cafes in Lhasa, but we are special. Locals -- even 80-year-olds -- come here for Americanos. Plus, lots of tourists, including foreigners, come just to check us out," the owner of Senxia Coffee, a local hotspot, said, revealing the secret behind his cafe's pull.
That dedication to innovation and presenting Xizang's culture through every cup have earned the shop a loyal following.
"I make a trip here once a year. It is my fourth year coming. The taste never changes, but they always have a new special to try -- and it is always great!" said a tourist from the eastern municipality Tianjin.
"It's very unique, I like it a lot. It's good coffee and it's a very nice place. The courtyard here is different than a courtyard in Germany would be," a German tourist offered similar praise.
In 2025, Lhasa's GDP crossed the 100-billion-yuan (about 14.7 billion US dollars) mark creating fertile ground for entrepreneurs, who found coffee as a light-asset business easy to start with -- small footprint, fast setup, easy to brand.
Amid intense competitions, businesses loyal to their hometown and home culture wins, Senxia's owner said.
"There are tons of entrepreneurs here. Local college grads are coming back to start businesses, and friends from inland are moving here to do the same. So the competition is actually fierce. With so many cafes around, we feel pretty lucky to have made it, and we have definitely got our own unique vibe," he said.
Lahsa sees booming coffee scene infused with local culture
