As the annual Spring Festival travel surge intensifies, Chinese railway authorities have significantly expanded specialized pet transportation services across the country’s high-speed rail network. The initiative, launched on January 28, 2026, enables passengers to transport their animal companions through an enhanced system of dedicated facilities and digital booking platforms.
At Lanzhou West Railway Station in Gansu province, railway staff now provide continuous monitoring and care for traveling pets housed in specially designed transport crates. These advanced containers feature intelligent monitoring systems that ensure animal welfare throughout the journey. The facility has already accommodated numerous pet passengers since the program’s implementation.
The expanded service allows travelers to conveniently arrange pet transportation through digital channels including the official 12306 mobile application and WeChat mini-program. This digital integration streamlines the reservation process during peak travel periods, addressing growing demand for pet-inclusive travel solutions.
This development represents part of China’s broader modernization of railway services, particularly during the Chunyun period when millions of citizens travel for family reunions. The pet transport expansion acknowledges changing societal patterns, including increased pet ownership and the desire to include animals in traditional holiday celebrations.
The enhanced service network now includes multiple high-speed rail stations across the country, providing safer and more regulated alternatives to previous informal pet transportation methods. Railway officials have implemented comprehensive protocols to ensure animal safety, including climate control, ventilation, and regular welfare checks by trained personnel.