China's Spring Festival travel period, known as Chunyun, entered its second day on February 3, 2026, with authorities mobilizing unprecedented resources to manage what analysts predict will be the largest seasonal human migration in history. The 40-day period running through March 13 sees hundreds of millions traveling for family reunions during the Lunar New Year holiday on February 17.
Transport networks are operating at 95% pre-pandemic capacity levels, with new high-speed rail lines inaugurated in December 2025 playing crucial roles. A Ministry of Transport spokesperson confirmed deployment of 3,800 additional trains and 12,000 intercity buses to handle the estimated 4.2 billion passenger trips nationwide.
Technological innovations mark this year's operations, including AI-powered crowd management systems at major hubs like Beijing Daxing Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao Station. Mobile payment platforms have introduced real-time ticket redistribution services to minimize wasted seats.
Environmental considerations feature prominently in 2026 planning, with 38% of long-distance buses now electric vehicles and carbon offset options integrated into ticketing apps. Analysts note the travel surge's economic impact could inject $180 billion USD into domestic consumption markets.
