The number of people traveling in China during the Spring Festival, which marks the Lunar New Year, has reached a record high of 353 million.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that according to a statement from China's Ministry of Transport, a massive internal migration was recorded on February 20, the 19th day of the 40-day (February 2 - March 13) holiday period.
In Chinese tradition, it is considered essential for individuals to return to their homes to spend the New Year with their families. For this reason, millions of Chinese citizens travel to their hometowns during the Spring Festival period. According to the Ministry, approximately 9.5 billion domestic trips are expected throughout the holiday season, which lasts from February 2 to March 13. The number of trips has broken a new record, increasing by 12.3 percent compared to the same period last year.
The Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most significant traditional holiday in China and is often described as the world's largest annual human migration. This period, known as "Chunyun," places immense pressure on China's transportation infrastructure, including its high-speed rail network, aviation sector, and highway systems. The surge in travel this year reflects a full recovery and expansion of domestic tourism and family reunions following previous years of pandemic-related restrictions.
