This year's Chunyun travel rush in China began on 2/2 and is set to last 40 days. Authorities anticipate approximately 9.5 billion domestic journeys, encompassing visits home for Tet and tourism. This figure marks a record high, representing a significant increase from the 9.02 billion trips recorded last year.

Annual travel statistics have risen sharply since the Chinese Ministry of Transport adjusted its calculation method for the 2023 Lunar New Year holiday. This adjustment now includes all road trips on major national expressways.

Passengers wait at Beijing Railway Station, China, on 10/2. Photo: AP

"Chunyun" is recognized as the world's largest annual human migration, with hundreds of millions of Chinese citizens traveling to their hometowns for the Tet holiday.

Between 2/2 and 10/2, China's railway system transported 1.01 billion passengers. Air travel also saw significant numbers, with 16.32 million passengers by 8/2. The total number of air travelers is projected to reach 95 million throughout the 40-day Chunyun period.

Major Chinese travel agencies report a surge in international tourism this year, partly due to the holiday period being extended by one day, making it a total of nine days.

Domestic tourism demand shows two distinct trends: tropical destinations, such as Hainan Island, and winter sports hubs, like Changbai Mountain in the northeast.

Popular international destinations include Thailand and Australia. Russia is also emerging as a new option, having granted visa-free entry to Chinese tourists starting from 12/2025. Conversely, demand for the long-standing favorite, Japan, has seen a sharp decline this year, attributed to strained bilateral relations.

Thanh Tam (According to Reuters)