Workers of China Railway Nanning Group Co., Ltd carry out maintenance work in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, January 29, 2026. (Photo: Zhang Ailin)
China’s annual Spring Festival travel peak will begin on Monday, with a record 9.5 billion inter-regional trips expected.
Analysts say the increase is driven by demand for family reunions and tourism during these extended holidays.
According to the authorities, travel by private car is expected to remain dominant, representing around 80% of interregional travel.
Rail and air passenger numbers are expected to reach 540 million and 95 million respectively, with total traffic and daily peaks expected to surpass previous records.
The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, falls on February 17 this year. The official holiday lasts nine days, and the peak travel period will last until March 13.
As the holiday is one of the country’s most important occasions for family reunions, authorities are strengthening capacities, especially in major transportation hubs, to ensure safe and smooth travel for all passengers.
