China's railway hits new single-day passenger record on May Day; Niche tourism emerges as a popular travel choice

China's railway network achieved a remarkable feat on May 1 by transporting 24.8 million passengers, marking a new single-day record, as reported by the China State Railway Group.
The surge in travel coincided with the five-day May Day holiday, anticipated to bring an additional 19.7 million passengers on May 2.
To accommodate this influx, some lines added new trains; for instance, the Zhengzhou line introduced 140 passenger trains, while the Chengdu line increased capacity with 184 new trains, according to Xinhua.
In addition to record train travel, the holiday season witnessed a notable shift in tourist preferences. Travelers are increasingly seeking less crowded niche attractions for a more distinctive experience, with reports indicating a 140 percent spike in searches for

On May 1, China set a new single-day railway record by transporting 24.8 million passengers, with niche tourism gaining traction as travelers opt for less crowded attractions. The national railway system is projected to carry 19.7 million more on May 2, amid rising travel bookings for smaller cities.