The Spring Festival travel rush in 2026 starts on February 2 and will last for 40 days, concluding on March 13. Before this annual mass movement of people, CGTN published a special article examining how this event has gone beyond being just a transportation phenomenon and become a distinctive perspective to observe China’s social change.
BEIJING, Feb. 02, 2026 — Beneath the illumination of floodlights at a maintenance base in Nanchang, in east China’s Jiangxi Province, rows of silver high – speed trains are neatly lined up. Viewed from above, the formation looks like a fleet of land – based aircraft carriers ready to be in service.
This is one of the starting points across China for the world’s largest human migration: chunyun. The 40 – day annual Spring Festival travel rush officially commences at midnight on February 2, ahead of the country’s most significant holiday.
This year, chunyun is going to break all previous records. Official estimates suggest that there will be an astonishing 9.5 billion inter – regional passenger trips during the 40 – day period, which extends until March 13.
Driven by a nine – day holiday, the longest in recent times, the 2026 travel rush is more than just a logistical achievement; it is a vivid way to see China’s social transformation.
Resilience of Chinese logistics
Just like every year, the 2026 chunyun is a remarkable display of logistics. Officials forecast that self – driving will still be the main mode of transportation, making up approximately 80 percent of all trips. Meanwhile, rail and civil aviation are expected to reach historical highs, with passenger numbers reaching 540 million and 95 million respectively.
Behind these figures lies a complex, multi – level infrastructure. To support the increase in electric vehicles, the Ministry of Transport has expanded the highway charging network to 71,500 charging points. Travelers can use a special mini – program to check the real – time availability of chargers, and mobile emergency charging units have been deployed during peak hours.
Complementing the highways, China’s railway system – now strengthened by a high – speed network over 50,000 kilometers long – uses advanced ticketing and extensive infrastructure to ensure a smooth, high – capacity journey.
Safety is always the top priority. As cold fronts bring the threat of snow and ice to the northern and central regions, the China Meteorological Administration and emergency departments have pre – positioned de – icing equipment and specialized rescue teams. High – tech tools, such as drones and helicopters, are ready for quick response. Officials say that coordinating chunyun is a huge operation involving more than 20 government departments.
Heartwarming service
With a greater focus on passenger comfort, this year’s travel rush offers more “heartwarming services” that meet the diverse needs of millions, turning a large – scale migration into a personalized experience.
A major highlight is the expansion of “quiet carriages.” Now available on over 8,000 high – speed trains, these carriages provide a peaceful place for passengers who want a quiet journey. Broadcast volumes are limited to 40 percent, and crew members offer “silent” service, replacing loud announcements with gentle help. Staff also give out free disposable earplugs and fun packs, including picture books, to keep young children entertained and calm.
At major airports and rail stations, efforts are being made to bridge the digital gap. Central to this are “Silver Hair” services, which enable seniors to travel with dignity and ease. At Shijiazhuang Airport in north China, for example, travelers aged 80 and above get priority check – in and boarding.
Travel is also becoming more inclusive for families, including their pets. In central China’s Henan Province, “Pet Rail” services have expanded from one station to four, allowing travelers to book special transport crates through the 12306 app.
The Chinese New Year
The large – scale movement of people during chunyun is a collective journey back home, which reaches its peak during the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, which falls on February 17 this year. Rooted in Chinese culture with various forms of celebration, the festival marks the first day of the lunar calendar and symbolizes renewal and family togetherness. It has a universal meaning of hope and the aspiration for a better life.
Core traditions – family reunions, red decorations representing prosperity, wishes for good luck, festive family meals, and making traditional crafts like lanterns – attract cultural enthusiasts around the world with their unique way of welcoming the new year.
Every year, the “Spring Festival Gala,” an annual TV program broadcast live by China Media Group and watched by billions globally, represents China’s cultural charm. After three rehearsals, the 2026 gala will continue to take shape in a festive and inspiring atmosphere, vividly showing China’s vitality in a new era.
On Chinese New Year’s Eve, CGTN also presented its flagship live special, “Super Night.” The program provided companion – style commentary on the CMG Spring Festival Gala in five languages – English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian – along with a variety of original features. These segments vividly showed aspects of Chinese culture that appeal to overseas audiences, including Spring Festival customs, intangible cultural heritage, and traditional opera, helping global viewers better understand the essence of Chinese culture and connect with it emotionally.
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