Group 1 - The 2026 railway Spring Festival travel period will start on February 2 and end on March 13, lasting for 40 days, with tickets available for purchase starting January 19 [1] - During peak travel days, a maximum of 1,220 passenger trains will be scheduled, with a 6% year-on-year increase in seating capacity [1] - Increased passenger capacity will be focused on regions with high travel demand, including Shenyang, Changchun, Dalian, and popular routes such as Dalian to Beijing and Shenyang to Guangzhou [1] Group 2 - A pilot "Ski Equipment Convenience Service" will be launched at 18 stations and on 6 trains to facilitate ski tourists [2] - Free charging facilities will be installed at all stations to meet emergency charging needs for electronic devices [2] - New services will include a limited-time free refund for mistakenly purchased tickets and enhanced features for ticket purchasing, such as reservation services for students and workers [2]

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "immediate waitlisting" for train tickets during peak travel times is not solely due to slow purchasing speed, but rather a result of limited ticket availability for specific routes [4][12][27]. Ticket Availability and Distribution - The ticketing system differentiates between full journey tickets and segment tickets, with the former generally having more availability [4][6]. - Historical data and demand forecasts are used to allocate tickets among different segments, leading to uneven distribution based on travel demand [8][14]. - For example, tickets from Beijing to Shanghai (full journey) are more plentiful compared to tickets for segments that only cover part of the journey [6][10]. Waitlisting Mechanism - The waitlisting system was introduced to better match passenger demand with available tickets, allowing for automatic ticket purchases when cancellations occur [15][17]. - This system aims to minimize opportunities for scalpers and ensure that tickets go to genuine travelers [15][19]. Seasonal Demand and Capacity - During peak travel seasons, such as holidays, the demand for tickets can exceed supply significantly, leading to intense competition among travelers [25][26]. - For instance, during the 2025 Spring Festival, the railway system is expected to handle over 5.13 billion passenger trips, with certain regions experiencing disproportionately high demand [26][27]. Conclusion on Ticket Purchasing Strategy - To increase the chances of securing tickets, travelers are advised to opt for full journey tickets whenever possible, as they provide access to a larger pool of available seats [27].