Travel rush expected during golden week

China's railways are bracing for a travel surge during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, with passenger numbers expected to hit a new high.

The 12-day holiday travel period will run from Sept 29 to Oct 10, during which the country's railways are projected to handle 219 million passenger trips, according to China State Railway Group on Monday. The peak is forecast on Oct 1, the first day of the National Day holiday.

To meet demand, train tickets for the period went on sale Monday. Railway authorities said they will increase train capacity and improve services to ensure safe and smooth journeys for travelers during the holidays.

This year, the National Day holiday coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, creating an extended "golden week" break.

A peak timetable will be implemented, with an average of about 13,000 passenger trains scheduled each day.