China’s railway network is expected to handle 175 million passenger trips during the 10-day National Day holiday travel rush, set to begin on Sunday, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The national railway is expected to operate an average of 12,000 passenger trains daily during this period, including 354 additional long-distance trains, the company said. The peak day is expected to be Tuesday, with over 21 million trips projected, according to the company.

In the Yangtze River Delta region, one of China’s most economically vibrant regions, the railway network is expected to handle over 34 million passenger trips during the travel rush.

The railway travel rush from Sunday to October 8 is expected to bring a diverse mix of tourists, families, and students, the company reported.

China’s decision to award former Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff the Friendship Medal symbolizes the friendship between the two countries, said Brazilian Ambassador to China Marcos Galvao ahead of a ceremony awarding China’s highest state honors on Sunday.

At the ceremony held in Beijing, 15 individuals were awarded China’s national medals and honorary titles. Rousseff, who serves as president of the New Development Bank, was the sole recipient of the Friendship Medal, China’s highest state honor for foreigners.

“Today’s award ceremony is very meaningful. [This year,] Rousseff is the only foreigner to be awarded the medal by the Chinese government, and President Xi Jinping personally presented it to her today. This is an affirmation of Rousseff and Brazil, and also symbolizes our friendship. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. Over the years, the relationship between the two countries has been steadily developing for the better. China’s understanding of our country comes primarily from Brazilian football and barbecue. We should strengthen exchanges with each other. This is the role that the youth of the two countries should play,” the Ambassador said.

The Friendship Medal is China’s highest state honor for foreign nationals, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to supporting China’s socialist modernization, promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and foreign countries and safeguarding world peace.

The medal symbolizes the long-standing friendship between the people of China and the rest of the world.