How China’s Lunar New Year Travel Shows New Avenues for Travellers?

Every year, millions of people across China embark on a journey home to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their families. Known as “chunyun,” this annual event is the largest human migration in the world. For 2026, the Chinese government is expecting a record-breaking 9.5 billion trips to be made during the 40-day travel period leading up to the festival. This massive movement of people involves various modes of transportation, including trains, planes, and roadways, and highlights the importance of this time for workers and families across the nation.

Record-Breaking Travel Rush for Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year, which falls on February 17, 2026, marks a time of family reunions and cultural celebration in China. With the economy facing challenges and fewer opportunities for extended time off, this festival has become the one occasion each year when workers return home to spend precious moments with their loved ones.

Liu Zhiquan, a construction worker in Beijing, is one of the hundreds of millions of people making the trek to their hometowns for this special holiday. He waits for his 30-hour train journey to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, located 1,242 miles (2,000 kilometers) from Beijing. Liu’s decision to take the slower train — despite it taking significantly longer — was driven by the desire to save money. The high-speed train option would have gotten him there in just nine hours, but it would have cost him more than twice the price. The choice to endure the lengthy journey underscores the financial strain that many Chinese workers are experiencing.

As Liu explains, “Things feel worse this year than last. The economy is bad, and it’s getting harder to make money.” Nonetheless, Liu, like many others, remains determined to return home for the festival, knowing that this is the only time each year when workers get a chance to take a break and reconnect with their families. For him, it is worth every hour of travel.

High Demand for Trains and Flights

According to the National Development and Reform Commission, of the 9.5 billion trips expected, about 540 million will be made by train, while 95 million people will take to the skies to reach their destinations. With Chinese trains being the most popular mode of transportation during this period, stations are expected to be packed with passengers carrying large bags and suitcases, eagerly awaiting their trains to depart.

In Beijing, passengers crowd the waiting areas of train stations, many opting for quick, convenient snacks such as instant noodles. Stations provide free hot water, making this simple meal an ideal option for travelers looking to save both time and money.

Tian Duofu, a young woman who recently started working full-time in Beijing, shared her thoughts on the holiday. “It has become more difficult for a big family to get together,” she says. “After I started working, I realized such a long holiday is rare, and we see each other less and less in person, which makes the Spring Festival significant.”

The Importance of Lunar New Year Celebrations

The Lunar New Year represents far more than just a holiday in China. For many, it’s the most significant event of the year, a time when workers return home to enjoy the celebrations and experience the festival atmosphere that is unique to the Spring Festival.

For Tian Yunxia, a woman from Henan province who operates a breakfast stall in Beijing, the return home is crucial. “If we don’t go back home, we won’t be able to enjoy the festival atmosphere,” she says. “I want to go home to see my children, my grandchildren, and my husband.”

This widespread desire to return home underscores the deep emotional connection people have with the Lunar New Year and its significance in Chinese culture. It is the one time of year when workers who rarely get time off can reunite with family, catch up on lost time, and celebrate together.

The Role of Government and Infrastructure

The Lunar New Year travel period not only highlights the emotional importance of family reunions but also showcases China’s transportation system as it handles the world’s largest human migration. Train stations, airports, and roads see record numbers of travelers, creating immense pressure on the country’s infrastructure.

The Chinese government continuously strives to ensure that transportation services can handle this extraordinary demand. From increasing the number of train carriages to managing airline schedules, the country prepares months in advance to accommodate this mass migration.

Despite these efforts, the travel rush also brings its challenges. Trains become overcrowded, and travelers are often forced to stand for hours, while airports face long lines as passengers rush to catch their flights. However, for many, these inconveniences are part of the experience — a small price to pay for the opportunity to spend time with family during the most important holiday of the year.

The Impact of Economic Conditions on Travel

While the Lunar New Year is a joyous time, it also highlights the economic difficulties faced by many workers in China. Liu Zhiquan’s story is a reflection of this — a man who, despite his financial struggles, continues to prioritize his family and the importance of returning home for the festival.

The economy’s downturn has made travel even more expensive for some, forcing people to choose cheaper and slower modes of transportation, as Liu did. The cost of travel is not just a financial burden but a constant reminder of the challenges that many workers face in trying to make ends meet while ensuring they can still participate in these vital family reunions.

Conclusion: A Journey of Tradition and Family

The Lunar New Year travel rush, or chunyun, is a truly remarkable phenomenon, one that brings together millions of people from across China as they return home to celebrate the most significant festival of the year. It is a time for family, tradition, and renewal — a rare opportunity for workers to reunite with loved ones, share stories, and celebrate together.

For China, this mass migration is more than just a logistical feat; it is a testament to the strength of cultural traditions and the deep emotional bonds that hold families together. Even in times of economic hardship, the desire to return home for Lunar New Year remains a powerful driving force for millions of people across the country.

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