New High-Speed Rail Lines Boost Tourism Across China Ahead of Holidays
China opened four major high-speed railway sections to traffic on September 28, 2026, just ahead of the seven-day National Day holiday, aiming to boost regional tourism and accommodate an expected 284 million passenger trips during the autumn travel rush. The newly operational routes span northern, northwestern, central, and northeastern China, connecting major urban centers to natural and cultural destinations.
Yichang-Xingshan Railway Enters Service in Hubei Province
The first train of the newly inaugurated Yichang-Xingshan high-speed railway, designated as G6888, departed from Xingshan Railway Station in Hubei Province on September 28, 2026. The 101-kilometer line features a designed speed of 350 kilometers per hour, establishing a vital link within the national high-speed rail network. Yuan Baohua, deputy director of the construction department of China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., stated that the Yichang-Xingshan section effectively connects high-quality cultural and tourism resources across the region. At the same time, the newly opened Harbin-Yichun section establishes new conditions for developing ecological resources and tourism along its northeastern route.
Cross-Regional Tourism Links Across Northern and Central Provinces
The simultaneous opening of the four rail sections bridges prominent historical and cultural areas in northern, northwestern, central, and northeastern jurisdictions. Liu Yanhong, deputy general manager of the Xiong’an high-speed railway corporation, reported that the Xiong’an-Shangqiu section connects heritage and cultural tourism assets across Hebei, Shandong, and Henan provinces, driving short-haul cross-regional trips. In Shaanxi Province, the Xi’an-Ankang section reduces travel time between the two cities to 45 minutes. Qu Xiaoyuan, a local cultural and tourism official in Ankang, stated that tourists from the Guanzhong Plain can now complete a round trip in a single day, facilitating spontaneous getaways and increasing demand for multi-purpose, experience-oriented tourism products.
China Projects 284 Million Passenger Trips for Holidays
China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. projected approximately 284 million passenger trips during the combined Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday period running from September 23 to October 8, 2026, with peak passenger flow occurring on October 1. Local tourism authorities are responding to the influx by emphasizing unique regional features and improving service quality to accommodate short-holiday travelers.