China is no stranger to massive travel movements, but this year’s autumn holiday rush is shaping up to be one for the record books. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the country marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the Shenyang-Baihe section of the Shenyang-Jiamusi High-Speed Railway—a development that’s already making waves in the nation’s bustling tourism and transportation sectors. As millions of Chinese citizens prepare to embark on journeys across the country, the new high-speed rail link is poised to play a crucial role in both alleviating congestion and fueling a tourism boom, particularly to the famed Changbai Mountain region.
According to Xinhua, the newly opened Shenyang-Baihe section boasts a design speed of 350 kilometers per hour, dramatically cutting the travel time from Beijing to Changbai Mountain to just 4 hours and 33 minutes. That’s a saving of about an hour and a half—a big deal for travelers eager to hit the slopes or explore the snowy landscapes of Jilin Province without spending half the day on a train.
This timing couldn’t be better. As reported by multiple outlets, China is currently experiencing a monumental holiday travel rush. The holiday period, which kicks off on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and runs through October 8, is expected to see daily trips soar to 295 million—a 3.2 percent increase over last year. Nearly 80 percent of these journeys, or about 1.87 billion trips, are anticipated to be self-driving, a clear sign of the growing appetite for road trips and the flexibility they offer. At peak times, highway traffic could top 70 million vehicle trips per day, with new energy vehicles accounting for around 14 million of those journeys. That’s a lot of cars on the road, and it’s not just private vehicles—railways and airports are bracing for record-breaking passenger numbers as well.
For many, the draw this season is the promise of winter sports and ice tourism in the northeast. Jilin Province, nestled between 40 and 50 degrees north latitude, is renowned for its powdery snow and robust winter sports infrastructure. The region boasts 68 ski resorts and 361 ski trails, covering a whopping 1,414 hectares and stretching for nearly 400 kilometers. From November 2024 to March 2025, Jilin welcomed 170 million domestic tourists—a staggering 35 percent jump year on year. The new high-speed rail is expected to drive those numbers even higher, making the area more accessible than ever to skiers, snowboarders, and sightseers alike.
But the railway’s benefits don’t stop at speed. The trains themselves have been thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs of winter tourists. According to Xinhua, there’s extra space between seats to accommodate bulky ski equipment, and carriages are equipped with intelligent temperature control systems to minimize discomfort from the region’s notorious indoor-outdoor temperature swings. At stations along the route, travelers will find integrated tourism service counters, offering one-stop bookings for Changbai Mountain scenic area tours and self-drive packages—making trip planning a breeze.
The engineering behind the Shenyang-Baihe section is impressive in its own right. Seventy-seven percent of the track is laid as bridges or tunnels, a design choice made to protect the core habitats of local wildlife, including the endangered Siberian tiger and the rare Chinese yew. Builders faced formidable challenges, from extreme cold to complex geological conditions, but overcame them using domestically developed installation equipment and cold-resistant materials. Ecological conservation was a top priority, with bridges erected to avoid disrupting sensitive animal habitats—an approach that sets a new standard for environmentally conscious infrastructure development in the region.
Meanwhile, the broader travel landscape across China is nothing short of frenetic. As reported by national news outlets, the holiday rush is stretching the country’s transport infrastructure to its limits. Major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, and Chengdu are expected to attract the largest crowds, thanks to their blend of cultural, historical, and modern attractions. Outbound travel is also on the rise, with more Chinese tourists heading to Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries, reflecting a growing interest in international destinations.
To help manage the surge, authorities are stepping up their game. Car rental companies are being encouraged to reduce or waive fees in key metropolitan regions such as Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Initiatives like deposit-free rentals and 24-hour pick-up and return services are being promoted to streamline the travel experience. On the rails, about 13,000 train journeys are scheduled daily, with over 18 million passenger trips expected each day. Air travel is also soaring, with 19.2 million passengers projected for the holiday period—a 3.6 percent increase from last year.
Yet, for all the optimism, not everything is smooth sailing. Unpredictable weather is threatening to throw a wrench in travel plans. Western China and the Huanghuai region are bracing for frequent rainfall, while the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and northern Xinjiang are likely to see a mix of rain and snow. Cold fronts are expected to sweep through Xinjiang, Shaanxi, and Henan provinces, bringing lower-than-usual temperatures. On the flip side, much of the rest of the country is forecast to enjoy warmer-than-average weather, offering some respite for those heading to milder climates.
Despite these meteorological curveballs, the overall outlook is positive. With significant investments in transportation infrastructure, including the new high-speed rail line, enhanced car rental options, and increased rail and air services, Chinese travelers have more choices and greater flexibility than ever before. Authorities are urging travelers to stay informed about weather updates and to plan accordingly, especially if their routes pass through regions prone to rain or snow.
The opening of the Shenyang-Baihe section of the Shenyang-Jiamusi High-Speed Railway stands as a testament to China’s commitment to connecting its people and powering its tourism industry. As millions hit the road, rails, and skies this holiday, the country’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of overwhelming demand will be put to the test. For now, though, travelers can look forward to faster, more comfortable journeys—and perhaps a little more time to enjoy the snowy slopes of Changbai Mountain or the bustling streets of Shanghai.
As China’s holiday season unfolds, the fusion of cutting-edge infrastructure and a relentless travel spirit is set to define the journey for millions—making this year’s rush not just a logistical challenge, but a celebration of mobility and adventure.
