China saw an extraordinary surge in rail and air travel in 2024, driven by strong economic growth and increasing demand for leisure travel. According to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., the country’s railway system handled a record 4.08 billion passenger trips in 2024, marking a 10.8% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) reported that air travel reached 730 million passengers, an 18% rise compared to 2023.
This unprecedented growth reflects both rising consumer confidence and a boost in spending. Xu Hong, dean of the College of Tourism and Service Management at Nankai University, pointed to tourism as a key factor, with 4.24 billion domestic trips recorded in the first three quarters of 2024—up 15.3% year-on-year. Domestic spending also saw a significant jump, reaching 4.35 trillion yuan (roughly $605 billion USD), an increase of 17.9%.
Enhanced infrastructure and a growing interest in lesser-known destinations have also played a role in this travel boom. Regions with airports, once overlooked, have become popular among travelers seeking unique experiences. This trend is mirrored by growth in international travel, supported by expanded visa-free policies and the introduction of conveniences like bilingual signage and cashless payment options.
As China approaches its Spring Festival travel rush from January 14 to February 22, 2025, the country’s transportation system is bracing for an estimated 9 billion trips, a record number. Railways are expected to handle 510 million journeys, while civil aviation is projected to manage 90 million passenger trips. To meet this demand, China’s railway system has added 230 passenger trains, bringing the total to 13,028, while civil aviation will operate 18,500 daily flights—an 8.4% increase from 2024.
Looking to 2025, investments in infrastructure will further strengthen China’s global transportation leadership. The country’s railway network will expand by 2,600 kilometers, backed by a 590 billion yuan investment, while international air travel is expected to grow at double-digit rates, boosting airlines’ financial performance.
China’s travel boom is a clear sign of its resilient economy and focus on driving growth through consumption.
