Core Insights - The opening of the Jiuzhai-Mianyang Expressway (referred to as "Jiuzhai Expressway") has significantly transformed travel experiences in Sichuan, promoting a "fast travel, slow tourism" model [2][4] - The expressway has connected various tourist attractions, enhancing the overall tourism landscape in the region and encouraging visitors to explore beyond just the Jiuzhai Valley [2][4] Group 1: Jiuzhai Expressway Impact - The Jiuzhai Expressway officially opened on September 29, 2025, marking a new era for travel in northwest Sichuan, with over 1.55 million vehicles recorded in the first month and over 70% of traffic being self-driving [2] - Travel time from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Valley has been reduced from 8 hours to 4 hours, making weekend trips feasible for tourists [2] - The expressway has activated regional tourism resources, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of attractions along the route, such as Li Bai's hometown and various natural reserves [2][4] Group 2: Tourism Growth Statistics - During the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, the Jiuzhai Expressway facilitated 365,760 visitors to Pingwu, generating a tourism revenue of 168 million yuan, representing year-on-year increases of 24% and 36% respectively [4] - Jiuzhai Valley received a peak of 305,700 visitors, with a record single-day reception of 41,000 on October 4 [4] - The average occupancy rate of hotels and guesthouses in Jiuzhai County exceeded 80%, with many tourists extending their stays to enjoy a rhythm of daytime sightseeing and nighttime lodging in the county [4] Group 3: Broader Implications for Sichuan Tourism - The Jiuzhai Expressway is a key component of Sichuan's initiative to create a "Great Jiuzhai Integrated Travel and Transportation Demonstration Zone," reflecting a broader trend of integrating transportation and tourism across the province [4][5] - Sichuan has been a pioneer in developing integrated travel and transportation, having launched several special plans for areas like Emei and Shangri-La, and is focused on building demonstration zones for this integration [4][5] - The "Three Mountains Tourism Loop" in Emei, which connects multiple scenic spots, exemplifies the successful implementation of this integrated approach, enhancing visitor experiences and alleviating congestion at popular sites [5]

Core Insights - The article highlights the vibrant economic activity during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays in China, emphasizing the importance of a robust transportation system in facilitating this movement [1][20]. Transportation Developments - High-speed rail stations operated overnight, with Beijing South Station expected to send 2.526 million passengers [3]. - On October 1, a record 23.13 million passengers were sent via national railways, marking the highest single-day passenger volume in history [4]. - Civil aviation passenger volume reached 2.4749 million, a year-on-year increase of 3.2% [5]. - The Ministry of Transport predicts a total of 2.36 billion cross-regional passenger movements during the holiday [3]. Infrastructure Enhancements - New high-speed rail lines, such as the Shenyang-Jilin line, have improved travel efficiency, with an average of 30,000 passengers daily during the holiday [8]. - The total high-speed rail mileage in China has approached 50,000 kilometers, significantly enhancing connectivity [9]. - New highways, like the Jiuwu Expressway, have reduced travel time from over 6 hours to just 3 hours for certain routes [10]. Travel Trends - There is a growing trend towards immersive travel experiences rather than mere sightseeing, with options like tourist trains and cruise vacations becoming popular [13]. - The demand for car rentals is expected to surge during the holiday, as travelers seek convenience and flexibility [16]. - Cruise travel has gained popularity, with over 17,000 passengers expected at the Shenzhen cruise terminal during the holiday [17]. International Travel - The average daily number of inbound and outbound travelers is projected to exceed 2 million during the holiday, with significant peaks on October 1 and 6 [18]. - New international routes have been established, enhancing travel options to destinations like Malaysia and Saudi Arabia [19]. - The expansion of visa-free travel agreements and increased international flights has contributed to a booming outbound tourism market [19].

Core Insights - The article highlights the vibrant activity across China during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, showcasing the effectiveness of the comprehensive transportation system in facilitating travel and logistics [1][2]. Transportation Trends - The Ministry of Transport predicts that the total inter-regional movement of people during the holidays will reach 2.36 billion [2]. - On October 1, a record high of 23.13 million passengers were sent by rail, marking the highest single-day passenger volume in history [3]. - Civil aviation passenger volume on the same day was 2.47 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 3.2% [4]. - The growth in transportation data is supported by a robust integrated transportation network [5]. High-Speed Rail Developments - New high-speed rail lines are enhancing travel efficiency, with the newly opened Shenyang-Jilin line facilitating quick access to scenic areas like Changbai Mountain, averaging 30,000 passengers daily during the holidays [6]. - The total length of high-speed rail in China has approached 50,000 kilometers, significantly contributing to national mobility [7]. Highway Improvements - New highways are reducing travel times, exemplified by the Jiuwu Expressway, which cuts travel time from 6 hours to 3 hours for certain routes [8]. - The Jiuzhaigou toll station on the Jiuwu Expressway recorded a peak traffic flow of over 15,000 vehicles in the first two days of the holiday [8]. - New highways across various regions are enhancing travel experiences [9]. Aviation Network Expansion - The aviation network is becoming denser, with new routes such as direct flights from Zhuhai to Dali, which take just over two hours [10]. - The introduction of over 30 new routes by Xiangpeng Airlines is expected to maintain high passenger load factors during the holidays [10]. Evolving Travel Experiences - Travelers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences rather than just quick trips, with options like tourist trains, cruise vacations, and self-driving tours becoming popular [11][12]. - The demand for car rentals is expected to surge during the holidays, as travelers prefer the convenience of renting vehicles [15]. Cruise Travel Popularity - Cruises are gaining popularity, with the Shenzhen cruise terminal expecting to serve over 17,000 passengers during the holidays [16]. - Nationwide, waterway passenger volume is projected to reach 12.5 million, a year-on-year increase of 11.6% [16]. Cross-Border Travel Growth - Daily inbound and outbound passenger numbers are expected to exceed 2 million during the holidays, with peak travel days on October 1 and 6 [17]. - New international routes and visa exemptions are driving growth in outbound tourism, with increased flight options to destinations like Malaysia and Saudi Arabia [18]. Cultural Integration in Travel - International travelers are experiencing Chinese culture during their journeys, such as participating in traditional tea-making on high-speed trains [19].

Core Insights - The article highlights the vibrant transportation landscape in China during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, showcasing the effectiveness of the comprehensive transportation system in facilitating travel and logistics. Group 1: Transportation Volume and Trends - The Ministry of Transport predicts that the total cross-regional movement of people during the holidays will reach 2.36 billion trips [2] - On October 1, the national railway sent a record 23.13 million passengers in a single day, marking a historical high for daily passenger volume [3] - Civil aviation passenger volume on the same day was 2.47 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 3.2% [4] Group 2: Infrastructure Developments - The opening of new high-speed rail lines has improved travel efficiency, with the newly opened Shenyang-Jilin high-speed rail segment expected to send around 30,000 passengers daily during the holidays [6] - China's high-speed rail network has now reached nearly 50,000 kilometers, significantly enhancing connectivity across the country [7] - New highways, such as the Jiuwu Expressway, have reduced travel times significantly, with some routes now taking only 3 hours instead of over 6 hours [8] Group 3: Travel Experience Innovations - The article notes a shift in travel preferences from "check-in style" to "immersive experiences," with options like tourist trains and cruise vacations becoming popular [12] - The demand for car rentals is expected to surge during the holidays, as travelers seek convenience and flexibility [14] - The cruise travel segment is also gaining traction, with the Shenzhen cruise terminal anticipating over 17,000 inbound and outbound passengers during the holidays [14] Group 4: International Travel Growth - The National Immigration Administration forecasts that daily inbound and outbound travelers will exceed 2 million during the holidays, with peak travel days expected on October 1 and 6 [15] - New international routes have been established, enhancing travel options to destinations like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam, contributing to a booming outbound tourism market [16] - The integration of cultural experiences, such as traditional Chinese crafts on high-speed trains, is enhancing the appeal of travel for both domestic and international tourists [17]

Core Insights - The recent opening of several highways in China has significantly enhanced travel opportunities for self-driving enthusiasts during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, showcasing engineering achievements and natural beauty [1][4]. Group 1: New Highways and Their Impact - The Jiuzhaigou (Ganchuan Border) to Mianyang section of the Jiuzhai Highway, spanning 245.8 kilometers, features an 82.15% bridge-tunnel ratio, reducing travel time from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou from 8 hours to 4 hours [1]. - The Hunan Luzi Highway connects major tourist attractions like the Three Gorges and Zhangjiajie, shortening travel time from Zhangjiajie to the Three Gorges by 1.5 hours, thus boosting regional tourism [2]. - The Suida Highway in Jiangxi, measuring 127 kilometers, creates a "one-hour cultural tourism circle" by linking popular scenic spots, promoting economic and cultural integration in the region [3]. Group 2: Engineering Innovations - The construction of the Jinling No. 1 Bridge on the Luzi Highway utilized advanced techniques such as a hanging basket system and smart monitoring, completing the project 35 days ahead of schedule [2]. - The Suida Highway employed over 40 advanced technologies, including hydraulic tower lifting and "high-pile robots," to overcome environmental and geological challenges [3]. - The G331 National Road in Jilin adopted a creative approach combining mountain cutting and carbon dioxide blasting, reducing transportation distance by 80% and saving nearly 5 months in construction time [3].

Core Points - The "Three Rings and Nine Pearls" tourism route covers a total distance of 4,500 kilometers, connecting six 5A-level scenic spots and 47 4A-level scenic spots [1] - The "Three Rings" consist of the "Fast Travel" ring, which includes the "East Ring," "West Ring," and "Main Ring," allowing tourists to choose different routes based on their travel plans [1] - The "Nine Pearls" are themed slow travel routes that connect three categories of nine small tourism loops [2] Infrastructure Development - The Jiuzhai-Mianyang Expressway (referred to as Jiuzhai Expressway) is 245.8 kilometers long, connecting various scenic areas and forming a new travel integration model [2][3] - The expressway significantly reduces travel time from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Valley from 8 hours to approximately 4 hours, and from Mianyang to Jiuzhai Valley to about 3 hours [2] - The expressway ends the historical lack of highway access for Jiuzhai Valley, Pingwu, and Beichuan counties, improving travel for over 1.94 million residents [3][6] Construction Challenges - The Jiuzhai Expressway took 9 years to complete, involving over 40,000 builders, making it one of the longest construction periods for a highway in Sichuan [4] - The construction faced numerous challenges, including complex geological conditions and natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides [5] - The expressway features 131 bridges and 45 tunnels, with a bridge-tunnel ratio of 82.15%, and includes the challenging Baima Tunnel, which is one of the highest difficulty levels for highway tunnels in China [5] Economic Impact - The expressway has led to a significant increase in tourism, with local villagers reporting a two to threefold increase in visitors and a substantial rise in income from tourism-related businesses [6] - The opening of the expressway has facilitated job creation in the local area, with residents finding employment opportunities in tourism and related services [6][7] - The expressway connects to other major highways, enhancing the regional transportation network and creating a convenient provincial transportation corridor [7] Future Developments - By the end of the year, Sichuan plans to complete 13 more highway projects, adding approximately 840 kilometers to the highway network, with a total of over 11,000 kilometers of highways expected [8] - The "14th Five-Year Plan" aims to add nearly 3,000 kilometers of highway during the period, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility in the region [8]

Core Points - The G8513 highway from Jiuzhaigou to Mianyang has been completed after 9 years of construction, significantly reducing travel time from 8 hours to 4 hours to Chengdu, a major city in western China [2][4][10] - This highway is the first to connect to Jiuzhaigou and ends the historical lack of highway access from Pingwu and Beichuan in Sichuan, establishing a major corridor connecting Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang [2][4][10] - The total length of the Jiuzhaigou-Mianyang highway is 245.809 kilometers, built to a dual four-lane standard with a design speed of 80 km/h, featuring 131 bridges and 45 tunnels, resulting in a bridge-tunnel ratio of 82.15% [2][4][10] - The completion of this highway marks the entry of Jiuzhaigou into a "dual high" era of high-speed rail and highways, enhancing travel convenience and safety [2][4][10] - The highway will connect the rich tourism resources of northwest Sichuan, facilitating a shift in tourism from "spot tourism" to "whole area tourism" [2][4][10]

Core Viewpoint - The G8513 Jiuzhaigou to Mianyang Expressway (referred to as "Jiuzhai Expressway") has officially opened, marking the end of the historical lack of expressway access for Jiuzhaigou, Pingwu, and Beichuan counties in Sichuan [1][3]. Group 1: Infrastructure Details - The Jiuzhai Expressway spans a total length of 245.809 kilometers, featuring a dual four-lane highway standard with a design speed of 80 km/h [3]. - The expressway includes 131 bridges, 45 tunnels, 18 interchanges, 17 toll stations, and 6 service areas, with a bridge-tunnel ratio of 82.15%, indicating a high density of bridge and tunnel structures [3]. - The expressway was opened in segments, with the final segment connecting the Jiuzhaigou Chaimenguan to Jiamuhai section completed in 2023, achieving full connectivity [3]. Group 2: Connectivity and Ecological Considerations - The Jiuzhai Expressway connects with the G8513 Pingtian to Mianyang Expressway in the north and links to the G5 Jingkun Expressway and G93 Chengyu Ring Expressway in the south, forming a significant interprovincial highway corridor between Sichuan and Gansu [5]. - The expressway traverses sensitive ecological areas, including the Giant Panda National Park and the National Aquatic Germplasm Resource Conservation Area, with a high bridge-tunnel ratio of 95% in the panda park section, minimizing ecological impact [5]. - The expressway integrates over 30 cultural and tourism resources, enhancing the region's tourism potential through a design that reflects local cultural elements [5]. Group 3: Construction Challenges - Construction of the Jiuzhai Expressway began in 2016 and involved over 40,000 workers, facing significant geological challenges, including multiple fault zones and natural disasters such as the 8.0 magnitude Jiuzhaigou earthquake [7]. - The Baima Tunnel, noted for its high design and construction difficulty, passes through seven fault zones and has a maximum burial depth of 1,092 meters, highlighting the engineering challenges faced during construction [7].

Core Points - The Jiuzhaigou-Mianyang Expressway (referred to as Jiuzhai Expressway) has a total length of 245 kilometers and is constructed as a dual four-lane highway with a design speed of 80 km/h and a bridge-tunnel ratio of 82.04% [1][2] - Once completed, the travel time from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou will be reduced from 8 hours to approximately 4 hours, significantly improving regional transportation conditions and ending the historical lack of expressway access to Jiuzhaigou County [2] Construction Progress - As of September 3, the remaining 24.7 kilometers of asphalt pavement for the Jiuzhai Expressway has been completed, marking the overall completion of the main project, with expectations for the entire line to be operational before the National Day holiday this year [1] - The project has faced challenges due to complex geological conditions in the Longmen Mountain fault zone and Huya fault zone, as well as variable weather in high-altitude areas, leading to a short construction window [1] - Since the start of construction, a total of 131 bridges and 45 tunnels have been completed, with cumulative operational mileage reaching 220.3 kilometers across multiple segments [1]

Core Points - The successful completion of the Punan Tunnel marks the full connection of the Jiuzhai-Mianyang Expressway, laying a solid foundation for the highway to be fully operational this year [1][2] - The Jiuzhai-Mianyang Expressway is one of the most challenging highways under construction in Sichuan, and once completed, it will reduce the travel time from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Valley from 8 hours to 4 hours [2] Summary by Sections Project Completion - The Punan Tunnel is the last control project of the Jiuzhai-Mianyang Expressway, located in the Giant Panda National Park, with a left tunnel length of 2,747 meters and a right tunnel length of 2,719 meters [1] - The tunnel construction faced multiple challenges, including heavy rain, mudslides, and complex geological conditions [1] Construction Techniques - To ensure smooth project progress, the construction team utilized the already completed right tunnel to increase the working face through two vehicle passages and one expanded pedestrian passage [1] - During peak construction, six working faces were operated simultaneously, employing techniques such as "short advance, weak blasting, and strong support" along with "segmented deep hole grouting reinforcement" to address challenges in the mudflow section [1] Strategic Importance - The Jiuzhai-Mianyang Expressway, approximately 244 kilometers long, is a crucial segment of the G85 highway connecting Yinchuan to Kunming and serves as a major transportation route for Sichuan [2] - It is recognized as a typical demonstration project of a green highway by the Ministry of Transport and is significant for connecting Sichuan to Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang [2]