BEIJING — The travel frenzy associated with China’s Lunar New Year is in full swing, with billions of journeys anticipated as the country enters the height of a 40-day period characterized by extensive human migration—the largest mass movement seen annually across the globe.
New Year celebrations will commence on Wednesday, heralding the year of the snake in the lunar calendar. In anticipation, New Year’s Eve is set for Tuesday, dedicated to family reunions accompanied by spectacular firework displays, a staple of the festivities.
Traveling commenced on January 14, but the peak influx is expected this weekend. Altogether, approximately 9 billion trips, predominantly by car, are predicted to occur throughout the entire travel season.
Railway journeys are projected to exceed 510 million, while air travel is anticipated to reach around 90 million. The government has not disclosed how these figures compare to similar periods in the past year.
This year’s travel experience has significantly improved over previous years, where passengers were often packed tightly into train carriages, enduring journeys that could span several days—if they were fortunate enough to secure a ticket, which are now mostly available online.
Traditionally, the Lunar New Year is a significant occasion for families to reconnect, especially for members of China’s vast migrant workforce who often use all their vacation time to return home. This annual journey represents a rare opportunity to reunite with family members.
In recent years, increasing wealth and a shift in familial traditions have led some to travel abroad, primarily to destinations in Southeast Asia, but also to Japan and South Korea. The number of cross-border travelers is expected to rise almost 10%, including foreign tourists eager to immerse themselves in the festivities despite the throngs of people.
The government has designated eight days of public holiday from January 28 to February 4. While firework displays have been mostly curtailed under President Xi Jinping’s governance, traditional events such as vibrant temple markets, adorned in auspicious red colors, continue to attract millions of visitors.
