China's Emergency Ministry warns of National Day holiday travel hazards

The Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management has identified and warned about travel hazards ahead of the National Day holiday at a press conference on Monday, as the country is estimated to witness 2.36 billion trips during the holiday period.

Based on analyses and forecasts by the Ministry of Transportation, cross-regional travel across society during the holiday period averages approximately 295 million trips per day, representing a 3.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Officials advise the public to follow weather and disaster alerts for their destinations closely, plan travel time and routes reasonably, choose legally licensed transportation, follow safety regulations at scenic spots and exercise caution when participating in high-risk activities to protect themselves and their family members.

Acknowledging that during the holiday peak, hotels, restaurants, and homestays will see a surge in visitors, the fire and rescue department provided tips on how to conduct safety checks.

Zhou Guanglian, a first-level commander at the Wuxi Fire and Rescue Detachment in east China's Jiangsu Province, shared signs to look out for when entering an unfamiliar venue or location. He outlined three key points. First, identify evacuation routes. Second, locate fire safety equipment, and third, assess environmental risks.

"Fire safety is about prevention first, not just rescue. Every business operator should make fire safety a part of daily management and pay attention to the details," he said. "While every member of the public should make fire safety knowledge a consciousness in everyday life, ensuring a safe and peaceful holiday for all."

Many people choose to look up travel tips online before a holiday, and social media influencers and travel bloggers often recommend "hidden gems" or trendy check-in spots that are not officially managed. Officials say these "wild" scenic areas can pose significant safety risks.

Zhu Yueqin, deputy director of the Urban Disaster Research Center at the Institute for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, at the Ministry of Emergency Management, said the public should check a list of three questions before hitting the road: Who is responsible for oversight? Who will carry out the rescue if something goes wrong? Who will be held accountable if an accident happens?

"The 'Four Don'ts': First, don't blindly trust non-professional travel guides you find online. Second, don't enter undeveloped areas on your own. Third, don't take on high-difficulty routes recklessly, and fourth, don't travel during extreme weather such as strong winds or heavy rain," she explained.

Officials said that as people reunite with loved ones and enjoy the sights, it is necessary to keep safety in mind and let it become the warmest backdrop of the holiday.