China's national railway network braces for a surge in travel demand as the five-day Qingming Festival travel rush commences on Wednesday. China State Railway Group, the national railway operator, anticipates handling approximately 75 million passenger trips during this period.

The travel rush, concluding on Sunday, will witness an average of 15 million daily passenger trips, with Thursday projected as the peak day with an estimated 17.5 million trips. This year's Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is expected to generate strong demand for travel related to family visits, ancestral remembrance, outings, and tourism.

Based on ticket pre-sales via the national railway ticketing system (12306), short to medium-distance journeys are anticipated to be the most popular. The railway group is implementing measures to increase capacity and accommodate the influx of passengers. Travelers are advised to plan their trips in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

The Qingming Festival traditionally involves honoring ancestors and engaging in outdoor activities, leading to this significant rise in travel demand across China.