China is preparing for an unprecedented transportation phenomenon as the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush commences on February 1st, with projections indicating a record-shattering 9.5 billion inter-regional journeys. This massive migration period, known locally as ‘Chunyun,’ will continue through March 13th, encompassing the Lunar New Year celebration on February 17th.
The extended nine-day official holiday period has created a unique convergence of family reunion travel and tourism demand, according to transportation analysts. Private vehicle travel is anticipated to dominate the transportation landscape, representing approximately 80% of all inter-regional movements. Meanwhile, railway systems are preparing for an estimated 540 million passenger trips, with civil aviation authorities expecting to accommodate approximately 95 million travelers.
Transportation hubs across China are implementing enhanced capacity measures to manage the anticipated record-breaking daily passenger flows. Authorities have prioritized operational efficiency and safety protocols at major transportation centers, recognizing the cultural significance of the Spring Festival as China’s most important family reunion occasion. The simultaneous surge in both traditional family visitation travel and holiday tourism has created unprecedented logistical challenges for transportation networks nationwide.
Infrastructure enhancements and coordinated scheduling efforts have been implemented to ensure smooth passenger experiences during this period of extraordinary demand. Transportation officials have emphasized their commitment to maintaining both safety standards and operational efficiency throughout the 41-day travel period.