CGTN: CHINA’S 2026 SPRING FESTIVAL TRAVEL RUSH SET TO BREAK RECORDS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- China’s annual Spring Festival travel rush, or chunyun, is set to begin on Feb 2 and run for 40 days, with an estimated 9.5 billion inter-regional passenger trips, according to China Global Television Network (CGTN).

In a statement, CGTN said the migration, the largest human movement on the planet, coincides with a nine-day holiday and reflects broader social changes in China.

Officials project that private vehicles will account for roughly 80 per cent of trips, while rail and air travel are expected to hit historic highs of 540 million and 95 million passengers, respectively.

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Expanded highway charging networks, high-speed rail infrastructure exceeding 50,000 kilometres, and advanced emergency services are all in place to support the surge.

In addition to logistics, "heartwarming services" are being introduced to improve passenger experience. Quiet carriages on over 8,000 high-speed trains will provide calm spaces, and staff will offer disposable earplugs and children’s activity packs.

Seniors will benefit from priority check-ins at airports, while pet owners can use "Pet Rail" services across multiple stations.

The travel rush culminates with the Spring Festival on Feb 17, China’s Lunar New Year, celebrated with family reunions, festive meals, decorations, and traditional crafts.

Cultural programming, including the "Spring Festival Gala" and CGTN’s "Super Night" broadcast, highlights the country’s heritage to billions of viewers worldwide.

CGTN reported that chunyun is more than a transportation event; it offers a lens into China’s evolving society, reflecting both technological advancements and a growing focus on inclusivity and passenger comfort.

-- BERNAMA