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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Beijing, February 14 (Xinhua) — For millions of pet owners in China, the Spring Festival—a time of family reunions—is unimaginable without their beloved pets, who have become part of the family. In response, China's railway operator has expanded its service offering furry companions, offering more options for owners and greater comfort for their pets.
This year, ahead of the Spring Festival (Chinese Lunar New Year), good news has arrived that 110 stations along high-speed rail routes offer pet transportation services, and the number of dedicated trains has increased from 54 to 170, allowing more pets to travel with their owners during the Spring Festival holiday, which falls on February 17 this year.
This positive change in the range of relevant services has become a source of relief for many during the Chunyun period—a season of special transport regulations in China during which mass migration of the Chinese population occurs before, during, and after the Spring Festival. The number of interregional passenger trips made across China during this period, which began on February 2 and will last until March 13, is projected to reach a total of 9.5 billion.
In China, high-speed rail travel is popular among passengers for its punctuality, reasonable ticket prices, and all-weather service. During the 2026 Chunyun holiday, rail passenger traffic is expected to reach 540 million, with average daily peaks estimated to exceed historical highs of previous years. China Railways (CR) has commissioned 251 new EMUs and 3,109 km of new lines to meet growing demand.
The China Railway Express (CRE) office at Hangzhou East Railway Station in Zhejiang Province, eastern China, is in full swing processing pet transportation services.
Passenger Ms. Chen noted that given the ten-hour journey for her dog from Hangzhou to Kunming (the capital of Yunnan Province, southwest China), she chose rail transport after careful consideration.
"The high-speed train is the safest option," she said, adding that it was certainly a great option to take a pet with you on such a long journey across the country.
Every traveling pet owner must arrive at least two hours before train departure, holding valid identification documents for both themselves and their pet, as well as a valid veterinary certificate. After completing the necessary procedures, their four-legged friends are placed in specially designed white carriers, which are then stored in designated compartments on board the high-speed train.
"We've upgraded the carriers, equipping them with intelligent water supply systems and emergency ventilation devices," said Wang Lin, CRE's station office manager. "Our staff monitors their temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels in real time throughout the journey," he added.
Upon arrival at the destination station, CRE notifies the pet owner via text message or phone call within an hour that they can pick up their pet.
On Thursday, Liu Xianhao shipped his cat from Beijing to Hangzhou for 460 yuan (about $66). "This service is really convenient for pets. My cat arrived in good condition, and the price is quite reasonable compared to other modes of transportation," he said.
Such improvements to this service reflect broader social changes in China. According to the 2026 China Pet Industry White Paper, the number of pets (dogs and cats) in Chinese cities is expected to reach 126 million by 2025, and the consumer market for pet dogs and cats in Chinese cities and towns is expected to reach 312.6 billion yuan by 2025.
As pets evolve from “companions” to “emotional family members,” the demand for humane and comfortable travel solutions for them has skyrocketed.
The KZhD guarantees that in the coming Year of the Horse, no family member, whether human or four-legged friend, will be left out. -0-
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