China’s national railway system has achieved unprecedented passenger traffic volumes during the initial eleven months of 2025, establishing a new milestone in the country’s transportation history. According to official data released by China State Railway Group Co Ltd on December 16, 2025, the railway network accommodated approximately 4.28 billion passenger journeys between January and November, representing a substantial 6.6 percent increase compared to the equivalent period in the previous year.
This remarkable growth demonstrates the continuing expansion and modernization of China’s railway infrastructure, which has undergone significant development in recent years. The record-breaking numbers coincide with the nation’s ongoing economic recovery and increased domestic mobility patterns following previous periods of travel restrictions.
Transportation analysts highlight that this surge in railway usage reflects both the improved connectivity between urban and rural regions and the public’s growing preference for rail travel due to its efficiency, affordability, and environmental benefits compared to other transportation modes. The data emerges as China continues to invest heavily in its high-speed rail network, which remains the most extensive in the world.
The railway operator’s report indicates consistent monthly growth throughout the monitoring period, with particular spikes during traditional holiday seasons and summer vacation months. This performance underscores the critical role that rail transportation plays in China’s domestic travel ecosystem and economic infrastructure.