China's 2026 Spring Festival travel rush, the world's largest annual human migration, officially commenced on February 2. The 40-day period, running through March 13, will see railways across the Chinese mainland handle an estimated 540 million passenger trips – averaging 13.48 million daily journeys and marking a 5% increase from 2025 levels.
High-Speed Rail 'Land Aircraft Carrier' Deployed
Dubbed the "land aircraft carrier" for its scale and efficiency, China's high-speed rail network has been fully mobilized to manage the surge. This critical infrastructure upgrade continues to reshape holiday travel dynamics, enabling millions to reunite with family for Lunar New Year celebrations on February 17.
Railway authorities emphasize enhanced scheduling coordination and safety measures to handle the 2026 demand spike. The travel rush serves as both a logistical challenge and a showcase of China's transportation modernization efforts, particularly in connecting urban centers with rural hometowns.
