(Yicai Global) July 3 -- China expects to transport 720 million passengers via rail during the 'summer transport period' this year, which runs through July and August, according to China State Railway Group. The figure is 8.1 percent, or 11.6 million passengers a day, higher than last year.

A station staffer inspects a train before it departs Yantai Railway Station in Shandong province on June 30.

Passengers board a train at Nanjing Railway Station on July 1.

Passengers in the waiting lobby at Fuyang Railway Station in Anhui province on June 30.

An attendant checks passengers' tickets as police stand guard at Yinchuan, Ningxi province on July 1.

An attendant helps a passenger carry his luggage on board at Jiujiang Railway Station on July 1.

Passengers prepare to descend to the platform at Guangzhou South Railway Station on July 1.

The Fuxing bullet train leaving Shijiazhuang Railway Station on July 1.