China's Railways Hit 2.35 Billion Passenger Record in H1 2026 — Foreign Trips Surge 33.6% to 12.3 Million
China State Railway Group reported a record 2.348 billion passenger trips in H1 2026, with foreign passenger trips surging 33.6% to 12.31 million. Here is what the data means for foreign travelers planning train journeys in China this summer.
Key takeaway
China's national railway network handled a record 2.348 billion passenger trips in H1 2026, up 5.0% year-on-year, the China State Railway Group reported on July 13, 2026. Foreign passenger trips surged 33.6% to 12.31 million, driven by expanded visa-free transit policies. Travelers should book high-speed train tickets 15 days in advance on the 12306 English app and expect extremely crowded stations through the summer peak.
Full report
What Changed
According to the China State Railway Group , the national railway network set an all-time H1 record with 2.348 billion passenger trips between January and June 2026. This represents a 5.0% increase over the same period in 2025 and confirms that China's rail system is operating at unprecedented capacity.
The standout figure for foreign travelers: the network handled 12.31 million foreign passenger trips in H1 2026, a 33.6% year-on-year surge, as reported by Xinhua on July 13. The China State Railway Group directly attributed this growth to the country's expanded transit visa-free policy, which now covers 65 designated ports across 24 provinces and allows eligible travelers from 55 countries to stay up to 240 hours (10 days) .
This follows the broader inbound travel boom: the National Immigration Administration (NIA) reported on July 10 that China recorded 369 million border crossings in H1 2026, with visa-free foreign entries accounting for 77.7% of all foreign arrivals. The railway data confirms that foreign visitors are not just entering China — they are traveling extensively within it.
The summer travel rush, which began on July 1, 2026 and runs through August 31, 2026, is expected to generate 1.01 billion additional passenger trips. With foreign ridership already at record levels, peak-season crowding on popular routes — including Beijing–Shanghai, Shanghai–Hangzhou, and Guangzhou–Shenzhen — will be more intense than ever.
What to do next
- Download the 12306 English app now and register with your passport. 2. Map your train itinerary and set calendar alerts for each ticket release date (15 days before departure). 3. Install Trip.com as a backup booking platform that pulls from the same 12306 inventory.
What may vary
The 15-day advance booking window applies to the standard summer 2026 season. During national holidays (Mid-Autumn Festival October 6, 2026; National Day Golden Week October 1–7, 2026), the window may shorten to 10 or 5 days. Always verify on the 12306 English website before booking.
FAQ
Do I need a Chinese phone number to use the 12306 English app as a foreigner in 2026?
No. The 12306 English website (12306.cn/en) and app support registration using only a valid foreign passport and international email address, per China State Railway Group policy as of July 2026.
Why are China's trains so crowded in summer 2026?
Two factors: the annual 62-day summer travel rush (1.01 billion expected trips) and the visa-free policy expansion driving a 33.6% surge in foreign passenger trips to 12.31 million in H1 2026, per China State Railway Group data released July 13, 2026.
Can I take multiple train trips within my 240-hour visa-free transit window?
Yes, you can travel freely by train within the 24 permitted provinces/municipalities. You must enter and exit through one of 65 designated ports and stay within the approved zone.
Can I use my 240-hour visa-free transit to take multiple train trips across China?
Yes, you can travel freely by train within the permitted areas covered by the 240-hour transit policy (currently 24 provinces and municipalities). However, you must enter and exit through one of the 65 designated ports and stay within the approved geographic zone. Always carry your passport and arrival registration slip when boarding trains.