Staff at railway stations and airports in major Chinese cities are bracing themselves as the nation prepares to head back to work after the week-long May Day holiday.

Sunday is expected to be the busiest day as millions take to public transport and the roads for the return journey.

Statistics show Beijing Railway Station has handled nearly a quarter of million passengers a day in the last three days.

Friday and Saturday will be the busiest days for airports. It is estimated that 2.28 million passengers will pass through terminals up 10 per cent on last year.

Nearly 200 more flights have been added to cope with demand.

(China Daily May 7, 2005)