Shanghai Expects 13 Million Rail Passengers in Spring Travel Surge

As spring arrives and flowers begin to bloom, Shanghai's rail network is set to see a surge in travel, driven by public holidays and school outings. Passenger numbers are expected to reach 13 million, up about 5 percent from a year earlier.

China's railway operator said its annual spring travel period will run from March 20 to April 20. In Shanghai, peak travel is expected between April 3 and 7, spanning the Qingming Festival holiday (April 4-6), with nearly 2.5 million passengers projected to pass through local stations.

Demand is driven in part by tomb-sweeping trips, as many Shanghai residents have family burial sites in neighboring Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, prompting cross-city travel during the holiday period.

Leisure travel is further fueling the rush, with parks and flower-viewing spots such as Gucun Park in Baoshan District and Century Park in the Pudong New Area drawing large crowds during the spring outing season.

School spring breaks in parts of the Yangtze River Delta region are also adding to demand. In cities such as Suzhou and Nanjing in Jiangsu, a three-day break connects with the Qingming holiday, creating a six-day travel window that is expected to boost family and group trips, with destinations such as Shanghai Disney Resort among the key draws.

Railway passenger traffic is expected to reach 91 million across the delta region, underscoring strong demand for short-haul trips.

Railway authorities said they will add 40 pairs of trains and boost capacity. Passengers are advised to check updates and book tickets in advance, especially for peak travel days.