In short
The 2026 rail transport period for the two holidays runs from 23 September through 8 October, a 16-day window. China Railway expects 1 October to be the passenger peak. The plan calls for about 13,000 passenger trains per day on average, with extra night high-speed trains, high-speed sleeper trains, coupled EMU trainsets and extra carriages added dynamically as demand changes.
The 16-day transport window
This is longer than the seven-day Golden Week holiday because the railway plan covers the days before and after it. The busiest day is expected to be 1 October.
For a visitor, that means the useful question is not only 'which day do I travel?' but also 'which direction and departure time is the busiest for my route?'
How extra capacity is being used
- Extra night high-speed trains and high-speed sleeper trains
- Coupled EMU trainsets
- Extra carriages on conventional passenger trains
- Dynamic analysis of 12306 demand data to adjust the running plan
If the train you want is sold out
Use the official 12306 waitlist. The rail plan says it can cover up to 60 date-and-train combinations and that all newly added ticket capacity is allocated first to submitted waitlist orders.
The plan also recommends using 12306's station sale-time query and reminders when you plan the trip.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026 Mid-Autumn and Golden Week rail transport period start and end?
It runs from 23 September to 8 October 2026, for 16 days in total.
Which day is expected to be the busiest on Chinese railways?
China Railway identifies 1 October as the peak passenger day.
How many passenger trains are planned each day?
The plan calls for approximately 13,000 passenger trains per day on average, with dynamic additions based on demand.
What should I do if my train is sold out?
Submit up to 60 date-and-train combinations through the official 12306 waitlist. The rail plan also recommends using the station sale-time query and reminders.