China’s Travel Rush Kicks Off with Anticipated 9 Billion Trips

China has ushered in its largest annual population migration, marking the beginning of the Spring Festival travel rush, known as “chunyun.”

This year, an astonishing 9 billion passenger trips are expected to take place in the lead-up to the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on February 10.

This year’s travel rush is particularly significant as it is the first since UNESCO recognized the Spring Festival as part of the intangible cultural heritage in December 2023. The designation highlights the importance of this festive period in Chinese culture and underscores the tradition of family reunions that characterize the holiday.

The travel rush period, which extends for 40 days until February 22, is anticipated to see record-breaking numbers across various modes of transportation:

• Road Trips: Approximately 7.2 billion journeys will be made on the roads.
• Civil Aviation: Over 90 million air travel trips are projected.
• Railway Travel: The national railway system expects to handle more than 510 million passenger trips, averaging 12.75 million trips daily—a 5.5% increase from last year.

The Spring Festival is a vital occasion for millions of Chinese citizens, as it serves as a time for family gatherings and cultural celebrations. Hundreds of millions are expected to return to their hometowns, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions that accompany this festive season.

As the travel rush unfolds, authorities are preparing to ensure safety and efficiency, aiming to accommodate the vast number of travelers during this busy period. The anticipation of joyful reunions and the celebration of cultural heritage make this time of year particularly special for many across the nation.

As the Spring Festival approaches, the excitement builds, with families eagerly awaiting the chance to come together and celebrate their shared traditions.