Trains packed. Highways jammed. Airports full. China’s Lunar New Year migration is bigger than any other on Earth.
China’s annual Lunar New Year travel rush — known as “Chunyun” — is once again underway, with officials forecasting a record 9.5 billion domestic trips during the 40-day period, making it the largest yearly human migration in the world.
The travel surge began on February 2 and will continue through mid-March. The official Spring Festival holiday runs from February 15 to 23, giving families extended time to reunite and travel.
Chunyun is widely viewed as both a cultural tradition and an economic barometer. The massive movement of people places intense pressure on China’s transportation networks while offering insight into consumer confidence and spending patterns.
By February 10, the country’s rail system had transported more than 1 billion passengers since the rush began. Airlines reported 16.3 million trips in the first week alone, with roughly 95 million flights expected over the full travel season. Road travel accounts for the majority of journeys, particularly after transportation authorities expanded official counting methods in 2023 to include expressway traffic.
Domestic tourism trends reflect diverse seasonal preferences. Tropical destinations such as Hainan Island remain popular, while snow sports regions like Changbai Mountain attract winter holidaymakers.
International travel is also rising. Thailand and Australia are among favored destinations, while Russia has seen increased interest following its visa-free agreement with China. Travel to Japan has reportedly declined amid diplomatic tensions.
This year’s rush is expected to be particularly strong after authorities extended the Spring Festival holiday by one day. In addition, China broadened its visa-free entry policy to more than 45 countries, allowing visitors from many European nations, as well as Australia and New Zealand, to stay for up to 30 days.
For China, the Spring Festival migration remains more than a holiday tradition — it is a logistical feat and a powerful symbol of national mobility and economic pulse.
