China’s national railway system experienced significant growth in passenger numbers during the first four months of 2025, according to data from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway).
From January to April, the railway network recorded 1.46 billion passenger trips. This marks a 5.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. On average, the system operated 11,224 passenger trains daily, a 7.1% rise year-on-year. These numbers show both higher demand and greater operational capacity.
The growth follows China Railway’s efforts to optimize routes to meet changing market needs. Special focus has been placed on tourism and health-related travel. The network has improved connections to sightseeing and eco-wellness destinations. This supports niche travel markets such as the “silver economy,” which targets older travelers.
International travel on China’s railway also recovered strongly. From January to April 2025, about 5.69 million foreign passengers used the trains. This is a 32.1% increase compared to the previous year. The rise indicates returning confidence among international visitors and better cross-border rail services.
Railway operators have adjusted routes and train capacity to handle seasonal peaks and promote regional tourism. The higher ridership reflects domestic recovery and the growing role of high-speed rail in tourism planning.
These trends are important for travel industry professionals who monitor transport and tourism growth in Asia. As China invests more in high-speed rail and related services, new opportunities will emerge for joint tourism projects that include rail travel. This is especially true for cultural, wellness, and senior travel destinations.
Overall, the data highlights the resilience of China’s transportation sector and the important role rail plays in supporting both domestic and international tourism.
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