Qingdao's metro system synchronized with the city's surge in popularity during the recent National Day holidays, seamlessly connecting major tourist attractions, key commercial areas, and transport hubs to become a powerful engine driving growth in tourism, culture, and consumer spending while continuously highlighting the vital role of rail transit in the city's development. According to the Qingdao Metro Group, the total passenger volume on the city's metro network during the National Day holidays (October 1-7) reached 11.94 million, averaging around 1.7 million daily passengers. Six main metro lines handled approximately 10.57 million trips, while the suburban rail lines (Blue Silicon Valley Line and the West Coast Express Line) recorded about 1.37 million trips.

Qingdao Metro achieved a 100% schedule adherence and punctuality rate during the holidays. Line 1, which connects five key districts—including the Qingdao West Coast New Area (QWCNA), Shinan, Shibei, Licang, and Chengyang—remained the busiest with a daily peak ridership of 0.58 million. Following closely were Line 3 with 0.44 million and Line 2 with 0.42 million passengers, reflecting a nearly 20% increase compared to the previous year. The top three stations by total passenger volume were the Qingdao North Railway Station (1.05 million), Taidong Station (0.97 million), and May Fourth Square Station (0.73 million).

Qingdao now operates eight metro lines, making it a true "tourism city on rails" where the expanding metro network directly connects over 40 attractions and popular social media landmarks, with many sites conveniently located along the routes—some right at the station exits. As a fast, safe, green, and cost-effective mode of transport, the metro is increasingly the preferred choice for visitors exploring the city. The system continues to expand Qingdao's flow of visitors to make it easier than ever for tourists to enjoy the city's top destinations. During the National Day holidays, popular attractions like the Naval Museum, Xiaomai Island, and Xinhao Hill Park drew large crowds, with nearby metro stations—People's Hall Station, Yan'erdao Road Station, and Xinhao Hill Station (Qingdao University Hospital)—experiencing passenger increases of over 150%. The metro's direct access to these tourist sites boosted travel efficiency for visitors and eased road traffic congestion. Additionally, Qingdao Metro offers seamless connections to six railway stations and Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, making it fast and convenient for travelers arriving by train or plane. The metro system maintained its extended tourism-season schedule during the National Day holidays, making it the top choice for residents' and visitors' early and late-night travel.