Chinese state media always gives official quotes saying how many people are expected to take to the road, rail and air during the week-long national holiday period. 2007, 150 million Chinese in planes, trains and automobiles are expected during the May Day holiday period.

Despite rising complaints that China's three 'golden week' vacations each year generate little but crowds, litter and pollution, and that their pump-priming effect is waning, the government has no plans to ditch the holidays

The government believes there is huge potential for tourism development during the golden week holidays with per capita gross domestic product estimated to keep growing. Some officials have previously urged the holidays be scrapped. Some officials still insist that the system has contributed a lot to boosting domestic consumption and demand, which makes its existence necessary.

Six years ago, China started week-long holidays centered on National Day in October, Labour Day in May and the traditional Chinese New Year in January or February as a way of boosting domestic spending. But the Chinese people, who have taken with gusto to the idea of vacationing since economic reforms started putting more money in their pockets, have become frustrated with the government-enforced Golden Weeks.

Tourists have dubbed Golden Week vacations 'Golden Porridge,' referring to the hot and sticky swarm of people flooding tourist spots and public transport.