Qingdao's cultural and tourism sector bustled with activity during the just-concluded National Day–Mid-Autumn Festival holiday season. As the city's main transport artery, Qingdao Metro carried 11.29 million passenger trips over the 8-day period, facilitating both reunion and leisure travel. Line 8's Jiaodong Airport Station and Line 4's Dahedong Station broke previous passenger records, providing a steady flow of visitors that boosted the holiday economy.

Qingdao Metro currently operates 8 lines with 172 stations, covering 352 kilometers in total. Its network connects 7 districts and 1 county-level city, linking major transport hubs, commercial areas, hospitals, and tourist attractions across Qingdao. As a backbone of the city's green mobility system, the metro accounted for over 50% of public transit use during the holiday period, reaffirming its role as the preferred and efficient travel option for both residents and visitors.

As key transport hubs connecting Qingdao with other regions, Qingdao North Station, Qingdao Station, and Jiaodong Airport Station of Qingdao Metro handled a combined 1.74 million metro trips during the holiday. Daily passenger volumes at these stations rose by as much as 65% compared with normal days. Qingdao Station alone recorded a peak of nearly 120,000 passengers in a single day—an 80% increase—making it the busiest station along the city‘s coastal corridor.

In terms of metro-connected commercial areas, Taidong Station saw a single-day peak of 144,900 passengers—77 percent higher than usual—ranking first among stations near major shopping zones. The sharp rise underscored the strong synergy between the metro and the thriving Taidong business district, each fueling the other’s holiday traffic.

In terms of payment methods, electronic options such as Alipay ride codes, Apple Pay Qindaotong cards, and the Qingdao Metro app accounted for more than half of all rides on peak days, reflecting a clear shift toward smart and cashless travel.

Qingdao Metro enhanced travel comfort with thoughtful and detailed services during the holidays season. Temporary rest areas, accessible folding ramps, and convenient restroom facilities met the needs of over 40,000 passengers. More than 10,000 pieces of luggage were stored for travelers, allowing them to explore the city with comfort and convenience. In response to rainy weather, stations offered hot water, umbrella covers, and raincoats, earning widespread praise online for their warmth and care. 20 additional initiatives, including priority assistance and special guidance strips, also ensured smooth, worry-free journeys for visitors and showcased the city's welcoming spirit.