BEIJING -- China's railway network handled a record of nearly 23.12 million passenger trips on Thursday, the first day of the May Day holiday, reflecting surging tourism demand and economic vitality.

The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 11.7 percent, according to data released by the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. on Friday.

To accommodate the surge in passenger traffic, additional train services have been arranged, with 13,800 passenger trains operating on Thursday, according to the railway operator.

A travel rush is expected between April 29 and May 6, with railway passenger trips forecast to reach a total of 144 million during the period, the railway operator said.

According to China's 12306 railway booking platform, popular destinations for the holiday include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Xi'an, Nanjing and Zhengzhou.