Passengers arrive at Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- China will see some 2.311 billion passenger trips during this year's Spring Festival travel rush, transport authorities estimated on Saturday.

About 2.184 billion trips, or 94.5 percent of the total, would be made on highways during the eight-day holiday ending Saturday, while the railway system would handle about 99.59 million trips. Waterway and civil aviation trips would stand at 9.4 million and 18.04 million, respectively, according to the estimation.

The Chinese New Year holiday, which runs from Feb. 10 to 17 this year, is a peak time when people travel for family reunions, or sightseeing and recreation.

On Friday, about 308.46 million passenger trips were made nationwide, up 34 percent from a year ago, data shows.

With the long holiday ending on Saturday, authorities have stepped up transport capacity to meet the surging travel demand and ensure safe and convenient trips. 

Passengers arrive at Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Passengers arrive at Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Passengers are seen at the waiting hall of Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)