In a recent interview, we explored the notable surge in cross-border travel during China’s National Day holiday, particularly along the China-Laos Railway. A report from the Mohan Border Inspection Station revealed that the number of international passenger trains operating at the Mohan railway port rose dramatically to 26, facilitating the crossing of over 6,400 travelers. This translates to an impressive year-on-year increase of 85.7% in train frequency and a staggering 163.8% in passenger numbers.
As of October 7, more than 183,000 travelers have utilized the international passenger trains on the China-Laos Railway this year, reflecting a 67.9% increase compared to the prior year. The railway, which spans 1,035 kilometers from Kunming in China to Vientiane in Laos, has been in operation since December 3, 2021. It has quickly become a critical link between China and Southeast Asia, often termed the “golden route.” By September 30 of this year, the railway recorded over 58,700 passenger train operations, serving more than 40 million travelers.
Meng Tao, head of the railway enforcement team at the Mohan Border Inspection Station, shared insights into this travel boom. He highlighted that nearly every international passenger train along the China-Laos route was fully booked during the holiday. Since international passenger services launched on April 13, 2023, the station has streamlined processes, reducing stopover times and increasing ticket availability. The stopover duration was slashed from 90 minutes to just 52 minutes, and the average daily number of travelers crossing the border surged from about 300 to approximately 700. The railway has welcomed more than 280,000 visitors from 101 countries and regions, showcasing its broad international appeal.
To effectively manage the influx of travelers during the holiday peak, the Mohan Border Inspection Station introduced several optimized measures. These included dedicated channels for tour groups, increased inspection staff, and pre-filled entry card points for foreigners. They also implemented a classification system to streamline the flow of travelers and established “tidal windows” to enhance border crossing efficiency, ensuring a smooth and effective experience for all passengers.
