Millions of frontline workers across China remain on duty during holidays

As national and international holiday celebrations unfold on October 3, millions of frontline workers across China remain on duty to maintain public safety, manage record-breaking transit volumes, and advance key infrastructure projects. While the holiday period marks a time of rest and family gatherings for much of the public, critical workers in transportation, emergency response, energy, and construction continue round-the-clock operations to support everyday life and long-term economic blueprints.

Staff step up safety protocols to manage massive traveler influx

Across railway stations and moving trains, staff stepped up safety protocols to manage the massive influx of travelers.

On board the Z198 train running from Taiyuan to Shanghai, China Railway Taiyuan Group Taiyuan Passenger Transport Segment train conductor Zhang Min and her team conducted rigorous safety checks and shared travel safety tips with passengers. “Due to the high passenger volume during the holiday, we refined our carriage inspection procedures, increased the frequency of patrols during peak hours, and closely monitored critical points such as emergency exits and equipment facilities,” Zhang explained.

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Emergency management and utility workers maintain strict holiday vigilance

Emergency management and utility workers also maintained strict holiday vigilance to prevent disruptions and manage potential risks. In Henan Province, Baofeng County Emergency Bureau Director Zhao Tuanli conducted video dispatches from the county’s emergency command center on October 3, reviewing water levels along the South-to-North Water Diversion project and checking highway hazard mitigation efforts amid continuous rainfall.

Meanwhile, in Guizhou Province, Southern Power Grid Liupanshui Power Supply Bureau personnel Chen Meng and his colleagues patrolled the bustling Hecheng Ancient Town Luoguo Street on October 1. Armed with infrared thermal imagers, the team methodically inspected distribution boxes and terminal connections to guarantee uninterrupted power for crowded tourist areas.

Frontline Operations at Borders and Research Hubs

Specialized operations and border defenses remained fully manned throughout the holiday period. At the China Polar Research Center in Shanghai, Zu Chengdi remained aboard the icebreaker Xuelong following its 16th Arctic expedition, managing critical equipment parameters and liquid levels in preparation for future voyages.

Along the southwestern frontier, the Dongzhong Border Police Station in Fangchenggang, Guangxi, carried out routine early-morning patrols through dense mountainous terrain on October 1. Police officer Pan Jinchrong, marking his ninth national holiday on border duty over twelve years of service, led teams inspecting boundary fences, surveillance cameras, and terrain footprints.

Construction on major national transport and energy projects presses forward

Construction on major national transport and energy projects pressed forward without pause. In Anqing, Anhui Province, engineering teams advanced excavation and lining work inside the Dengjialing Tunnel along the Liuqing Railway project, where project chief engineer Li Zhong directed over 150 workers to maintain tight construction schedules.

In Xinjiang’s remote desert regions, workers at the Yiwu 300-megawatt wind power site managed by China Energy Engineering Group Anhui Electric Power Construction Second Company operated cranes and aligned wind turbine blades late into the night. Project manager Hong Gang noted that continuous operations are essential to capitalize on narrow construction windows in the harsh wind-swept terrain.

Passenger milestones and staff responsibilities during holiday travel

Who is Zhang Min and what responsibilities did she manage on the train?

Zhang Min is a train conductor with the China Railway Taiyuan Group’s Taiyuan Passenger Transport Segment working on the Z198 train from Taiyuan to Shanghai. She led staff in conducting safety inspections, increasing patrol frequencies, and monitoring emergency exits during the high-volume holiday travel period.

What specific project is Hong Gang managing in Xinjiang?

Hong Gang is a project manager overseeing the Xinjiang Yiwu 300-megawatt wind power project constructed by the China Energy Engineering Group Anhui Electric Power Construction Second Company.