China has officially kicked off its largest annual migration as the Spring Festival travel rush began on Friday, 15 days ahead of the Lunar New Year. An estimated 9 billion passenger trips are expected during this period, marking a significant increase in travel as millions journey home for family reunions.
The 40-day travel surge, known as “chunyun”, will last from January 26 to March 5 this year. The Spring Festival, China’s most significant holiday, will fall on February 10 and run through February 17, one day longer than in previous years. The extended holiday is set to put additional pressure on the nation’s transportation systems as pent-up demand for family reunions coincides with surging travel needs.
China’s railway operator announced that the country’s railways are expected to handle 480 million passengers during the travel season, averaging 12 million trips daily—an increase of 37.9 percent compared to the previous year. On the first day alone, approximately 10.6 million train trips are anticipated.
The civil aviation sector is also gearing up for the surge, planning to transport 2 million people and arrange 17,500 flights on Friday. Major airports, including Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, and Beijing Capital International Airport, are expected to experience the highest traffic volumes.
According to the Ministry of Transport, out of the estimated 9 billion passenger trips, about 7.2 billion, or 80 percent, will be made by self-driving. The remaining 1.8 billion trips will occur via railways, highways, waterways, and civil aviation.
The chunyun period holds great cultural significance as hundreds of millions of people return to their hometowns to celebrate the Lunar New Year with friends and family. Transportation authorities are implementing measures to manage the increased demand and ensure safety. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys carefully and stay updated on transportation schedules.
Reference(s):
China kicks off Spring Festival travel rush with 9 bln trips expected
cgtn.com
