Over 270 Million Trips Expected on Day 11 of Spring Festival Travel Rush
More than 270 million inter-regional trips are anticipated across the Chinese mainland on Friday, marking the 11th day of the Spring Festival travel rush, known as chunyun. The massive movement of people underscores the scale of the world's largest annual human migration as residents journey home for family reunions.
According to data released by transportation authorities for the 2025 chunyun, the number of inter-regional trips on Friday is estimated to reach 272.74 million. The breakdown of the projected travel figures includes 14.2 million passenger trips by rail, 255.47 million by highway, 680,000 by waterway, and 2.39 million by civil aviation.
The statistics also revealed that Thursday saw a total of 256.52 million inter-regional trips made nationwide, reflecting a 9.7 percent increase from the previous day and a significant 32.3 percent rise compared to the same period last year.
Overall, approximately 9 billion inter-regional trips are expected to be made throughout China during the annual travel rush, representing a 7 percent increase year on year, as reported in a national teleconference held at the end of December.
The annual chunyun period, which for 2025 spans from January 14 to February 22, is traditionally a time of high transportation demand. Millions of people return to their hometowns to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their families, leading to a surge in travel across the country.
This year's travel rush holds special significance as it is the first chunyun since UNESCO inscribed the Spring Festival on its intangible cultural heritage list in December. The recognition highlights the cultural importance of the festival and adds a layer of pride and enthusiasm to the celebrations.
Transportation authorities across the Chinese mainland have implemented various measures to manage the increased demand, ensuring safety and efficiency in travel. Enhanced services, additional train and flight schedules, and strict adherence to safety protocols are among the strategies employed to accommodate the vast number of travelers.
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Day 11 of Spring Festival travel rush to see over 270 million trips
cgtn.com
