Chengxin Yizhan Waiting Area. [Photo/Tide News]

Hangzhou Railway Station, a century-old landmark that operates around the clock, has opened an overnight rest area for passengers arriving late at night or waiting for early-morning trains ahead of the National Day holiday.

The Chengxin Yizhan Waiting Area began trial operations on Sept 18 at the station's Chengzhan Square. Covering about 900 square meters, it offers 95 reclining electric sofas in an overnight area open from 10 pm to 8 am, alongside 126 seats in a public rest area that operates 24 hours a day.

Passengers can register with valid identification and train tickets. Each sofa is equipped with a side cabinet featuring a night light, charging port, and electronic lock. A voice reminder is also provided 40 minutes before a passenger's train departure to help prevent missed trains.

The facility is designed particularly for passengers arriving in the early hours. Since its trial opening, it has served 428 overnight passenger visits, most arriving between 3 and 4 am while waiting for public transport connections.

The station handles more than 100 train services and over 50,000 passenger trips daily. During the upcoming National Day holiday, passenger numbers in Hangzhou are expected to peak on Oct 1, with more than 510,000 trips forecast.

The rest area also has a nursing room for parents with infants and a workers' service station. Plans include adding a medical service point and nighttime food and convenience facilities to further expand its 24-hour passenger services.