The Spring Festival, China’s most significant holiday centered around family reunions, has witnessed a remarkable surge in homecoming trips this year. According to big data analysis from telecommunications operator China Mobile, the number of people returning home across China in 2024 increased by 23% compared to the same period last year.
The annual travel rush, known as chunyun in Chinese, began on January 26 and spans 40 days. The Ministry of Transport anticipates a record-breaking 9 billion cross-regional passenger trips during this period, marking the world’s largest annual human migration.
Railway transportation remains a critical component of the Spring Festival travel rush. On February 8 alone, 12.9 million passengers journeyed by train. As of February 9, over 170 million people have utilized rail services during chunyun. Interestingly, data from the official ticketing platform showed a 40% drop in railway passengers on February 9, the eve of the Lunar New Year, compared to the previous day, indicating that many travelers had already reached their destinations.
China Mobile’s analysis predicts that the peak of travel flow will occur on the fourth day of the Spring Festival. Additionally, the data revealed that the average distance people travel to reunite with their families during the festival is approximately 509 kilometers.
The significant increase in travel underscores the enduring importance of the Spring Festival in Chinese culture. As families across the nation come together to celebrate, the surge in homecoming trips reflects a collective eagerness to reconnect and uphold cherished traditions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
