Qiongzhou Strait Spring Festival Travel: Return Peak Approaches with Increased Capacity

The Qiongzhou Strait is bracing for a peak in return passenger and vehicle traffic as the Spring Festival holiday progresses. As of February 21, 2026, the strait has already transported 765,000 passengers and 175,000 vehicles, including 36,995 new energy vehicles, according to the Maritime Affairs Department of Zhanjiang, Guangdong.

Increased Traffic Compared to Last Year

These figures represent a significant increase compared to the same period last year, with passenger numbers up 29.47%, vehicle traffic up 22.97%, and new energy vehicle transport surging by 85%.

Capacity and Operational Adjustments

To accommodate the growing demand, shipping companies are coordinating the operation of 53 roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) passenger ships and 4 dedicated barges for new energy vehicles on the Hai’an to Haikou route. Efforts are being made to minimize wait times by implementing continuous operation schedules for both passengers and ships.

Ports are prioritizing the handling of slight cars and new energy vehicles, increasing the frequency of services and dynamically adjusting schedules for new energy vehicle transport. Truck departures are being staggered to avoid congestion with passenger traffic. Cargo train frequency has been reduced to one pair per day, whereas passenger services operate 16 pairs of flights and car flights operate 7 to 8 pairs.

Ship Operation Optimization

A refined ship operation mechanism is in place, utilizing a model of 3 ships in operation and 1 on dynamic backup. The Guangdong-Hai Railway No. 3 and No. 4 ships, known for their large transport capacity, are operating throughout the Spring Festival period to ensure sufficient capacity and emergency preparedness.

Daily Transport Capacity

The one-way passenger and ro-ro transport capacity of the Qiongzhou Strait is approximately 26,000 vehicle trips per day, with an optimal frequency of 7.6 flights per hour. Port and shipping companies report that their current capacity generally meets the anticipated post-holiday peak demand.

Safety and Smooth Travel Measures

The Zhanjiang maritime department is closely monitoring passenger and vehicle flows in real-time and supervising shipping companies to dynamically adjust capacity allocation. The goal is to maintain a daily ship capacity of 320 sailings. A “North-to-South Ship Diversion” transportation model is being used, along with “arrive-and-head” operations for ships on the south coast and “empty support” for ships on the north coast, to ensure smooth departures for returning passengers.

Information and Coordination

Regular communication and coordination are being maintained with meteorological, port, and transportation authorities. Ship arrival information is being disseminated through official media and local integrated media platforms to guide vehicles and prevent port congestion. Additional law enforcement officers are deployed to maintain order and ensure passenger safety.

Ticket Information and Reminders

During peak hours, around 9 a.m. And 6 p.m. Daily, remaining tickets will be released gradually. Passengers can employ WeChat service accounts like “Xuwen Port” and “Qiongzhou Strait Ferry Butler,” as well as official ticket purchasing platforms, for convenient inquiry and purchase. Return ferry tickets are in high demand, so passengers planning to drive onto the island are advised to purchase tickets in advance and plan their itineraries accordingly.

Passengers who have purchased tickets should arrive at the port within 2 hours before their scheduled departure time for entry and ticket check-in procedures. Late arrivals will not be accommodated.