China has entered its annual Lunar New Year travel rush, known domestically as chunyun, with authorities forecasting a record 9.5 billion trips during the 40-day holiday period. The migration unfolds ahead of the Lunar New Year on February 17 and is widely considered the largest recurring human movement in the world. Train stations, airports, and highways are already operating at full capacity as millions make their way back to hometowns.
Government estimates suggest that around 540 million journeys will be made by rail and 95 million by air, with the majority of trips occurring on the country’s vast road network. In a nation where long working hours and limited annual leave are common, the Spring Festival offers one of the few extended breaks of the year. For many workers, returning home is not simply a holiday choice but a cultural obligation.
At major stations in Beijing, passengers line up with heavy luggage and gift packages, preparing for journeys that can exceed 30 hours. Among them are migrant workers traveling thousands of kilometers to provinces such as Chengdu. Some choose slower trains to save money, even when high-speed services could cut the trip to under 10 hours. Economic uncertainty has made ticket prices more significant for households already feeling pressure.
Despite tighter finances, the desire to reunite with family remains strong. Younger professionals working in large cities describe the nine-day holiday as rare and increasingly precious. As urbanization spreads families farther apart, the annual reunion carries emotional weight that outweighs inconvenience. Crowded waiting halls and packed compartments are accepted as part of the ritual.
The sheer scale of movement inevitably strains infrastructure. Platforms fill quickly, and stations provide free hot water as travelers rely on instant meals during long waits. Authorities increase train frequency and coordinate with airlines to ease congestion, but bottlenecks are unavoidable. The temporary surge highlights how domestic mobility in China rivals international tourism flows in other regions.
At the same time, the migration underscores broader debates about capacity and overtourism within transport hubs. Major metropolitan centers experience sharp population swings as residents depart, while smaller cities absorb sudden inflows of visitors. Services must adjust rapidly to shifting demand.
Even in a year marked by slower economic growth, the record number of projected journeys demonstrates how deeply embedded this tradition remains. The annual return home defines the country’s social calendar, reinforcing family ties across vast distances. For millions, enduring the travel rush is simply the price of belonging.
