A staff member guides passengers at Bazhong East Railway Station in Bazhong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Oct. 6, 2024. China's railway operator said that the railway network is experiencing a peak in return travel, with a sharp rise in long-distance trips. For six consecutive days since the holiday rush began, daily passenger numbers have surpassed 17 million, reflecting the sustained high demand during this period.

China's railway network is expected to handle 175 million passenger trips during the 10-day National Day holiday travel rush from Sept. 29 to Oct. 8. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)