China recorded over 278 million cross-regional trips on Sunday, the sixth day of China's week-long National Day holiday, the data from the Ministry of Transport showed.
The figure was a decrease of 1 percent compared to the previous day, a 5.2-percent-increase compared to the same period in 2023, and a 24.8-percent-increase compared to the same period in 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to the ministry, over 18.524 million trips were made by railway on Sunday, an increase of 3.6 percent from the previous day. The figure was an increase of 8.6 percent compared to the same period in 2023, and an increase of 26.6 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
The road passenger volume reached 256.7 million, a 1.2-percent-decrease from the previous day. The figure was an increase of 5.1 percent compared to the same period in 2023, and a 25.1-percent-increase compared to the same period in 2019.
Water transport saw a total of 1,182,400 trips, down 25.1 percent from the previous day. The figure was a decrease of 23.3 percent from the same period in 2023, and a decrease of 24.2 percent from the same period in 2019.
The civil aviation sector handled 2,357,300 trips, reflecting a 1.8-percent-increase from the previous day. The figure was a 9.6-percent-increase from the same period in 2023, and a 21.2-percent-growth from the same period in 2019.
China records over 278 mln cross-regional trips on sixth day of National Day holiday
Khunjerab Pass, China's highest land port bordering Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Pakistan, drew an influx of tourists during this National Day holiday with its breathtaking scenery and significance for the country.
Since the Khunjerab Pass scenic area opened to public in July 2024, local tourism workers have seen an increasing number of visitors. To better capture memorable moments, a driver even learned how to do drone photography.
"There are more [tourists] now. This year, many tourists ask for our drones [to take photos,]" said driver Twaku Aiken.
"Khunjerab Pass is situated at an average altitude of over 5,000 meters, making it the world's highest border gate. The scenery is stunning, but the environment is harsh. Oxygen levels are less than half of those on plains, winds are over level 7 or 8, and temperatures drop to minus 40 degrees Celsius in winter. It is famously known as the 'beautiful red national gate'," said Zbadar Gayki, a tour guide at the Khunjerab Pass scenic area.
Despite the high altitude and thin air, visitors continue to flock to see the world's highest border gate and celebrate the birthday of their motherland.
"We may lack oxygen, but we don't lack faith. We came here to see the highest border gate and wish our country prosperity," said a visitor.
"I dedicate this Chinese dance to our motherland, wishing peace and stability across the land," said a tourist who gave a beautiful dance in front of the Khunjerab Pass.
China's highest land port sees influx of tourists celebrating National Day holiday
