As the Qingming Festival holiday approaches, Guangdong authorities have issued a traffic forecast and advisory to help travelers navigate the expected surge in road traffic. It's said that travel demand will peak on April 3, with the return journey expected to be busiest on April 6.
During the 2026 Qingming Festival holiday (April 4 to 6), small passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer will enjoy toll-free access on expressways. According to a joint assessment by the traffic management bureau and the provincial transportation department, expressway traffic in Guangdong is expected to remain generally stable but will see a significant increase in overall travel volume. Traffic pressure will be concentrated mainly in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, with short-to-medium-distance trips for tomb-sweeping and leisure activities dominating the flow. Small passenger vehicles are expected to make up a large proportion of the traffic.
Authorities have identified several sections of expressways, toll stations, service areas, and charging stations that are likely to experience heavy congestion or high demand during the holiday. These include:
10 busy expressway sections (including one toll station)
No. | City | Route Number | Route Short Name | Congestion Direction | Congestion Point Name | Congestion Point Type |
1 | Dongguan | S6 Guangzhou–Longchuan Expwy (S6广龙高速) | Dongguan–Panyu Expwy (莞番高速) | Towards Guangzhou | Shatian East–Yanjiang Interchange (沙田东站至沿江互通路段) | High-connection interchange |
2 | Guangzhou | S8 Guangzhou–Foshan–Zhaoqing Expwy (S8广佛肇高速) | Huanan Urban Expwy Phase III (华南快速三期) | Towards Guangzhou (Eastbound) | Pingsha Interchange to Pingsha Toll Station (平沙立交互通至平沙收费站路段) | High-connection interchange |
3 | Guangzhou | S81 Guangzhou Ring Expwy (S81广州环城高速) | North Ring Expwy (北环高速) | Two-way | Guangbei Bridge (广北桥) | Main bottleneck section |
4 | Shenzhen | S28 Shuijing–Guanjingtou Expwy (S28水官高速) | Shuijing–Guanjingtou Expwy (水官高速) | Towards Shenzhen (Northbound) | Bulong Toll Station (布龙收费站) | Toll station |
5 | Foshan | S15 Guangzhou–Foshan Expwy (S15广佛高速) | Guangzhou–Foshan Expwy (广佛高速) | Towards Guangzhou (Northbound) | From Guangfo Bichong Station to North Ring Shabei Station (广佛泌冲站至北环沙贝站路段) | High-connection interchange |
6 | Guangzhou | S4 Huanan Urban Expwy (S4华南快速) | Huanan Urban Expwy (华南快速) | Two-way | From Longdong Toll Station to Chungang Interchange (龙洞收费站至春岗立交通路段) | High-connection interchange |
7 | Dongguan | S6 Guangzhou–Longchuan Expwy (S6广龙高速) | Nansha Bridge (南沙大桥) | Two-way | From Hai'ou Island to Shatian Interchange (海鸥岛站至沙田互通路段) | Main bottleneck section |
8 | Zhaoqing | S8 Guangzhou–Foshan–Zhaoqing Expwy (S8广佛肇高速) | Guangzhou–Foshan–Zhaoqing Expwy (广佛肇高速) | Towards Guangxi | From Dinghu Station to Xiaoxiang Station (鼎湖站至小湘站路段) | Main bottleneck section |
9 | Guangzhou | G1508 Guangzhou Belt Expwy (G1508广州绕城高速) | Huangpu Bridge (黄埔大桥) | Two-way | From Bicun Interchange to Huangpu Interchange (笔村立交互通至黄埔立交通路段) | High-connection interchange |
10 | Shenzhen | G2518 Shenzhen–Cenxi Expwy (G2518深岑高速) | Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link (深中通道) | Two-way | From Airport Interchange to West Artificial Island (机场互通至西人工岛路段) | High-connection interchange |
3 busy service areas
No. | City | Route Number | Congestion Direction | Congestion Point Name | Congestion Point Type |
1 | Yunfu | G2518 Shenzhen–Cenxi Expwy (G2518深岑高速) | Two-way | New City Service Area (新城服务区) | Service area |
2 | Qingyuan | S1 Guangzhou–Lianzhou Expwy (S1广连高速) | Two-way | Lixi North Parking Area (黎溪北停车区) | Parking area |
3 | Qingyuan | G0421 Xuchang–Guangzhou Expwy (G0421许广高速) | Two-way | Qingxin Service Area (清新服务区) | Service area |
5 service areas with high utilization of charging facilities
No. | City | Route Number | Route Short Name | Congestion Direction | Congestion Point Name | Congestion Point Type |
1 | Yangjiang | S26 Zhongshan–Kaiping Expwy (S26中开高速) | Kaiping–Yangchun Expwy (开春高速) | Two-way | Gaoliuhe Service Area (高流河服务区) | Service area |
2 | Shaoguan | G0422 Wuhan–Shenzhen Expwy (G0422武深高速) | Renhua–Xinfeng Expwy (仁新高速) | Two-way | Bazai Parking Area (坝仔停车区) | Parking area |
3 | Qingyuan | S1 Guangzhou–Lianzhou Expwy (S1广连高速) | Guangzhou–Lianzhou Expwy (广连高速) | Two-way | Lixi North Parking Area (黎溪北停车区) | Parking area |
4 | Shantou | G1523 Ningbo–Dongguan Expwy (G1523甬莞高速) | Chaozhou–Huizhou Expwy (潮惠高速) | Two-way | Jinzao Service Area (金灶服务区) | Service area |
5 | Zhanjiang | S63 Yulin–Zhanjiang Expwy (S63玉湛高速) | Yulin–Zhanjiang Expwy (玉湛高速) | Two-way | Shiling Service Area (石岭服务区) | Service area |
In response, traffic police have issued the following travel tips for the Qingming Festival holiday:
1. Plan ahead
This year's Qingming Festival holiday coincides with spring breaks in some regions, creating a six-day holiday period. Combined with toll-free expressway access for small passenger vehicles, a significant rise in travel is expected. Authorities advise the public to travel rationally, plan routes carefully, avoid congested sections, and consider using public transportation where possible.
2. Drive with caution and stay safe
Drivers should ensure that all passengers wear seatbelts throughout the journey. Speeding, distracted driving, and overloading are strictly prohibited. Adequate rest is essential—drivers should avoid driving while fatigued or unwell. When using driver assistance features, drivers must remain fully engaged and keep control of the vehicle at all times.
3. Drive slowly in rainy conditions
According to weather forecasts, Guangdong may experience severe convective weather and heavy rainfall during the holiday. In rainy conditions, drivers should reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, and turn on low-beam headlights. Extra care should be taken to watch for pedestrians, and waterlogged sections should be avoided.
4. Slow down in mountainous areas
Many cemeteries and scenic spots are located in mountainous areas with winding, steep roads. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, refrain from overtaking on curves or steep slopes, and sound the horn when approaching blind turns. Pay close attention to motorcycles, e-bikes, and pedestrians.
5. Follow the rule in case of accidents
In the event of a sudden vehicle malfunction such as a tire blowout, drivers should remain calm and avoid sudden steering maneuvers. If an accident occurs on the expressway, remember the principle: "Pull over, evacuate, report." This means moving the vehicle to the side, ensuring all occupants leave the vehicle and move to a safe area, and promptly contacting emergency services to prevent secondary accidents.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | Nanfang Plus
