China has officially initiated its monumental Spring Festival travel period, known as Chunyun, marking the beginning of the world’s largest annual human migration. The extensive travel season commenced on Monday, February 2, 2026, and will extend for forty consecutive days until March 13.
The travel surge coincides with the Lunar New Year celebration, with Spring Festival falling on February 17 this year. Official national holidays have been scheduled from February 15 through February 23, providing a nine-day break that enables millions of Chinese citizens to undertake journeys to reunite with family members across the country.
Early scenes from Beijing West Railway Station captured the initial wave of travelers, with passengers forming orderly queues while awaiting train boarding procedures. Transportation hubs nationwide are implementing enhanced operational measures to accommodate the unprecedented passenger volume characteristic of this annual phenomenon.
The Chunyun period represents a critical logistical challenge for China’s transportation infrastructure, with railway networks, highway systems, and air travel corridors all experiencing substantial capacity demands. Authorities have coordinated comprehensive preparations to ensure safe and efficient transit during this culturally significant migration period that underscores the deep-rooted tradition of family reunion in Chinese culture.