Under the glow of floodlights at a maintenance base in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, rows of silver bullet trains stand ready like a fleet of 'land-based aircraft carriers.' This scene sets the stage for chunyun – the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush beginning February 2 – projected to see 9.5 billion inter-regional passenger trips through March 13.
Resilience of Modern Logistics
This year's record-breaking migration showcases China's transportation evolution, with self-driving vehicles accounting for 80% of trips. Rail and aviation sectors prepare for historic peaks of 540 million and 95 million passengers respectively, supported by a 50,000-km high-speed rail network and expanded EV charging infrastructure featuring 71,500 highway charging points.
Technological Safeguards
Real-time charging availability trackers and mobile emergency units complement weather response systems as cold fronts threaten northern regions. Over 20 government departments coordinate drone-assisted de-icing operations and helicopter standby teams, demonstrating operational sophistication.
Cultural Crosscurrents
While family reunions remain central, the extended nine-day holiday reflects shifting priorities. Urban residents increasingly combine traditional visits with leisure travel, testing transportation networks' capacity to balance mass mobility with personalized experiences.
