China officially launched the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush on Monday, marking the world’s largest annual human migration period. The travel rush is expected to generate a record 9.5 billion passenger trips nationwide over forty days. Authorities view the scale as a key indicator of economic activity and post-pandemic mobility recovery.
According to transport authorities, the travel rush will run from February 2 through March 13 this year. During this period, railways, highways, aviation networks, and waterways will operate at near-maximum capacity. Officials emphasized early coordination to prevent congestion and service disruptions.
China State Railway Group Co said the national rail network alone expects 540 million passenger journeys. This figure represents a five percent increase compared with last year’s holiday period. On average, railways will handle approximately 13.48 million passengers each day.
The official launch occurred shortly after midnight when a long-distance train departed Beijing West Railway Station. The service traveled toward Nanchang in Jiangxi province, symbolizing the formal start of the travel rush. Railway officials described the departure as smooth, orderly, and well-coordinated.
Beijing West Railway Station expects to handle about 145,000 passengers on the opening day. Over the entire holiday period, total passenger volume at the station could reach 5.15 million trips. Transport managers deployed additional staff to manage ticketing, security checks, and platform access.
Passengers reported efficient ticket purchasing through digital platforms, including official railway apps and mobile payment services. Student travelers benefited from discounted fares, making long-distance rail travel more affordable. Authorities encouraged travelers to book early to avoid last-minute congestion.
Railway operators enhanced onboard services to improve passenger experience during the travel rush. Trains featured festive decorations, cultural displays, and seasonal greetings celebrating the Lunar New Year. Crew members distributed informational materials and assisted passengers with transfers.
In addition, railway staff received targeted training ahead of the travel rush. Companies assigned specialized teams to handle safety inspections, emergency response, and passenger assistance. Officials said preparation focused on preventing delays and ensuring operational reliability.
The travel rush carries significant economic implications across transportation, retail, and tourism sectors. Increased mobility boosts consumer spending while supporting regional economies. Analysts view holiday travel demand as a barometer of domestic consumption strength.
Beyond railways, aviation and highway authorities also expect record volumes. Airlines plan to increase flight frequencies on major domestic routes. Highway operators expanded toll staffing and real-time traffic monitoring systems.
Looking ahead, officials urged travelers to remain flexible and follow safety guidance throughout the travel rush. Authorities said they will adjust capacity dynamically based on weather conditions and passenger flow. The season’s success will shape planning for future national holiday travel periods.
Overall, the launch of the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush underscores China’s expanding transportation capacity. It also reflects rising public confidence in large-scale mobility. With billions of journeys underway, the travel rush remains a defining feature of China’s social and economic rhythm.
