As many of you may or may not know, China is one, if not the most populated places of the world. With an estimated population of 1.5 billion citizens, not counting ex-patriots living in the country, when it comes to traveling, you can expect higher volume traffic than back in the states. It is impressive how many people you can actually move around inside the airports and the train stations all at once.
I had the pleasure to experience both the airport and train stations in a holiday weekend! Now keep in mind that a holiday weekend in China yields to an all time high traffic that can be very overwhelming for many, yet quite entertaining for others.
On the Golden weekend, a week where the Chinese tend to celebrate the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, you can always expect heavy loads of traffic in any way you attempt to move. I would highly recommend that if you must travel around these dates, try to avoid the 1st and last days of this holiday week (October 1st through the 7th).
Although Chinese people are extremely cordial and helpful with foreigners, during heavy traffic of traveling they can be quite preoccupied with their own affairs and therefore come across not so helpful. No blame at all however, considering the chaotic ambiance that you are surrounded by.
Lastly, the one thing I took away from this experience is to travel lightly and compact. Meaning, pack only what its necessary, as when you are rushing through all those massive crowds, the last thing you want is to have to worry about heavy weighted luggage!