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China is witnessing an unprecedented surge in travel ahead of the Lunar New Year, as millions of citizens embark on their annual journeys home.
Known as the largest human migration globally, this year’s travel season, or Chunyun, is expected to break records, with an estimated nine billion trips across various transport modes over the 40-day period surrounding the New Year festivities.
The celebrations usher in the Year of the Snake on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
According to the Ministry of Transport, over 510 million train trips and 90 million air trips are projected during the travel period. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, fueled by pent-up demand as China’s travel industry rebounds post-pandemic. Railways have responded to the demand by deploying additional high-speed trains, while airlines have added flights to key routes.
The national railway operator, China State Railway Group, has identified Saturday, January 25, as the peak day for pre-holiday travel. Using advanced data from ticket sales and waitlists, the company has regulated capacity to accommodate surging passenger numbers efficiently.
At major transit hubs like Beijing West Station, thousands of travelers were seen navigating crowded platforms and departure halls, many bundled in warm clothing and wearing face masks to protect themselves in the packed conditions. In the east China city of Nantong, similar scenes played out as families prepared for their annual reunions, a tradition deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
The Lunar New Year is an eight-day public holiday that serves as an opportunity for families to gather, share festive meals, and participate in cultural traditions such as fireworks displays and lion dances. Factories and schools have largely shut down ahead of the holiday, with migrant workers and students leading the migration rush back to their hometowns.
The development of China’s extensive high-speed rail network has significantly reduced travel times compared to a decade ago. Journeys that once spanned several days can now be completed in hours, enhancing the comfort and efficiency of holiday travel. The government’s investment in modernizing transport infrastructure has been pivotal in managing the growing migration numbers.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has also reported a sharp rise in air travel. Airlines have introduced promotional fares and increased capacity on popular routes to cater to demand.
The Ministry of Transport encourages travelers to plan ahead and use official booking platforms such as 12306 China Railway for rail tickets and CAAC-authorized channels for flight bookings. Enhanced safety protocols remain in place, including disinfection of public spaces and health monitoring at transit points.
