On Feb 8, Shanghai's 4 main stations launched 24-hour operation during the Spring Festival rush, expecting 524,000 departures. Extra trains added, including 79 overnight services. Stations enhanced facilities and night amenities. Festive events at Shanghai South Station improve travel experience.
24/7 Operation Begins at THESE 4 Shanghai Stations Amid Holiday Rush
As the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush enters its seventh day on February 8, all four major railway stations under the jurisdiction of the Shanghai Railway Hub—Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, and Shanghai Songjiang Railway Station—have officially entered 24-hour operation mode, with waiting halls open around the clock.
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According to data from the Shanghai Railway Station system (which also includes stations such as Shanghai West, Nanxiang North, Anting West, Anting North, Jinshan North, and Liantang), a total of approximately 524,000 passengers are expected to depart from Shanghai's railway stations on February 8. Among them:
Shanghai Railway Station: 140,000 passengers
Shanghai Hongqiao Station: 268,000 passengers
Shanghai South Station: 64,000 passengers
Shanghai Songjiang Station: 48,000 passengers
Other stations combined: 4,000 passengers
With less than a week remaining before the Chinese New Year holidays, the enthusiasm for returning home is rapidly increasing. To meet the soaring demand, Shanghai Railway is scheduled to operate an additional 89 trains on February 8, targeting key destinations including Sichuan-Chongqing, Northwest China, Yunnan-Guizhou, Anhui, and Xuzhou. Furthermore, from midnight to 5 a.m. on February 9, 79 overnight temporary trains will be added:
Shanghai Station: 15 trains
Shanghai Hongqiao: 47 trains
Shanghai South: 13 trains
Shanghai Songjiang: 4 trains
To ensure smooth overnight service, all stations have undergone maintenance and upgrades for air conditioning, lighting, water heaters, and mini kitchen appliances. Toilets and accessible restrooms are equipped with disposable toilet seat covers and press-type disinfectant dispensers. Water stations are stocked with disposable paper cups.
In response to nighttime travel needs, stations have increased charging station ports and even installed USB-charging armrests in some waiting areas. Some select retail and dining outlets have also launched nighttime service modes, offering late-night assistance, food, and shopping.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, February 8 marks the first Sunday of the 2026 Spring Festival travel season. At Shanghai South Railway Station, travelers will be treated to a Spring Festival-themed calligraphy event where they can receive handwritten couplets and blessings. As China's first "pain-free" high-speed rail station, the location will also feature live traditional music performances and Hanfu parades to create a joyful travel environment.
The recently renovated south entrance of Shanghai Railway Station has also received praise for its rainproof corridor that enhances passenger experience during the Spring Festival season.
Rail authorities are urging travelers to depart early to allow sufficient time for city transportation and security checks. For those traveling on overnight trains, especially with departure times after midnight (e.g., 00:00 on February 9), it is advised to prepare to head to the station during the night of February 8 to avoid missing the train.
Source: 华商报
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