China is witnessing a significant surge in travel as millions journey across the country to celebrate the Spring Festival holiday. According to data released by the Ministry of Transport (MOT), around 2.3 billion trips were reported during the holiday period from February 10 to 17 this year.
The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional festival in China. It is a time for family reunions, with many people returning to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones. This annual migration, known as “Chunyun” or the Spring Festival travel rush, is considered the largest human migration in the world.
The MOT also projected that the total number of trips during the entire travel rush period, which runs until March 5, is expected to reach a record high of 9 billion. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, highlighting the robust growth in domestic travel and the increasing mobility of the Chinese population.
Transportation authorities have been working diligently to manage the high volume of travelers. Additional trains and flights have been scheduled to accommodate the demand, and measures have been implemented to ensure safety and efficiency in transportation hubs across the country.
“We have coordinated with various departments to enhance transportation capacity and improve service quality during the peak travel period,” said an official from the MOT. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone can reach their destinations safely and comfortably.”
The surge in travel not only reflects the cultural significance of the Spring Festival but also indicates the growing economic prosperity and improved transportation infrastructure in China. The increase in trips suggests that more people have the means and opportunity to travel, contributing to the vibrancy of the nation’s social and economic landscape.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com