(Yicai) Jan. 15 -- China will likely see a record high nine million trips made inside the country during the 40-day Chinese New Year travel period, known as the Spring Festival travel rush, which began yesterday.

Rail passenger trip numbers may exceed 510 million, while the ranks of air travelers could hit 90 million, which would both be all-time highs, according to the Chinese authorities.

In Addition, Shanghai is expected to handle more than 16 million railroad trips during the period, an increase of more than 13 percent compared with last year. That too would set a new record.

At 6.30 a.m. yesterday, passengers wait at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to catch the first holiday trains.

Thousands of passengers line up in front of platform gates at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.

At 5 a.m. yesterday, a train crew member hangs festive Chinese New Year lanterns inside the G4831 from Shanghai to Guiyang, the first extra train specially laid on for the travel period.

A staff member at a booth specially set up by Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station presents a child with a handmade sugar candy in the shape of a rabbit.

Editor: Martin Kadiev