China's 2026 Spring Festival holiday continues to rewrite economic and social records, with over 9.5 billion cross-regional passenger trips projected during the 40-day travel period ending March 13. The extended nine-day break has enabled a dual-phase holiday pattern, combining family reunions with unprecedented leisure travel.
Rail Networks Strained
China State Railway Group reported 15 million passenger trips on February 20 alone, with 1,469 additional trains deployed to handle demand. The national 12306 ticketing platform has sold 298 million rail tickets to date, reflecting surging domestic mobility.
Silver Economy Takes Flight
Travel platform Qunar reveals a 160% year-over-year increase in air passengers aged 60+, accounting for 20% of Beijing-bound travelers. Many older residents are flying for the first time to visit children in major cities, marking a significant shift in holiday participation patterns.
Consumption Surge
The extended break has unlocked pent-up demand across hospitality and service sectors, with analysts noting increased spending on cultural tourism and premium experiences. This segmented holiday model is being hailed as a new engine for domestic economic circulation.
