Beijing (TDI): China entered the annual Spring Festival travel season on Monday, widely regarded as the world’s largest human migration, with authorities forecasting an unprecedented number of journeys ahead of the 2026 Lunar New Year.
The travel rush, which began 15 days before the Spring Festival and will continue until March 13, is expected to generate around 9.5 billion passenger trips, marking the highest total ever recorded.
Road travel is set to dominate once again, accounting for nearly 80 percent of all journeys, as families rely heavily on private vehicles and buses to return home.
China’s railway network is projected to handle approximately 540 million passenger trips, while the civil aviation sector is expected to accommodate about 95 million travelers during the period. Officials say both rail and air transport will likely experience record-breaking daily peaks, surpassing previous highs.
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The 40-day travel season sees hundreds of millions of people make their way back to their hometowns for family reunions, making it one of the most significant annual movements of people anywhere in the world.
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The Spring Festival remains a deeply cherished tradition in China, symbolizing family unity and cultural heritage. Beyond the sheer scale of travel, the season reflects the enduring importance of reconnecting with loved ones and celebrating shared customs across the country.
