China's Lunar New Year Travel Rush Begins with Record 9 Billion Trips Expected

The 40-day Spring Festival migration, the world's largest annual human movement, tests China's transportation infrastructure and reflects its economic climate.

• The Lunar New Year travel rush, known as Chunyun, officially started on January 14 and will last until February 22, encompassing a record 9 billion domestic trips.
• Road travel is projected to dominate with 7.2 billion trips, while rail and air travel are expected to hit record highs of 510 million and over 90 million trips, respectively.
• This year's celebrations feature an extended 8-day public holiday and expanded visa-free entry policies, including longer stays for foreign transit travelers.
• The travel season coincides with economic challenges, including weak domestic demand and a prolonged property market crisis, though many travelers prioritize family reunions and festivities over economic concerns.
• The Spring Festival was recently added to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, further highlighting its cultural significance in China and beyond.

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