Ports under the Guangzhou General Station of Immigration Inspection handled around 405,000 inbound and outbound passenger trips during China's National Day holiday from October 1 to 7, the highest total for the holiday period in five years. Business travel also increased ahead of the 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair).
The border inspection authorities cleared more than 3,500 inbound and outbound transport movements during the seven-day holiday, while passenger traffic averaged 58,000 trips a day, up 14.7 percent year on year.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport accounted for around 389,000 passenger trips, with daily traffic peaking at more than 56,000. The airport handled an average of 373 inbound and outbound flights a day. Waterway ports, including Nansha Passenger Port, Pazhou Ferry Terminal and Humen Ferry Terminal in Dongguan, recorded 13,000 passenger trips.
Outbound travel remained busy, with around 119,000 mainland residents departing through the ports. Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam were among the most popular destinations.
Inbound traffic also grew, particularly among international business visitors. Around 56,000 foreign nationals entered through the ports during the holiday, up 12.8 percent year on year.
The increase came ahead of the 140th Canton Fair, which is scheduled to take place in Guangzhou in three phases from October 15 to November 4, marking the event's 70th anniversary. More than 210,000 overseas buyers have already pre-registered for the fair.
During the holiday, more overseas business visitors arrived early to inspect factories, hold negotiations and prepare for the fair. More than 37,000 business travellers entered through the ports on business visas or under visa-free arrangements, including China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, accounting for over two-thirds of foreign arrivals.
Reporter | Dai Bosi
Photo | Guangzhou General Station of Immigration Inspection
