China is set to witness a record-breaking 9.5 billion passenger trips during the upcoming 40-day Lunar New Year travel period, surpassing last year’s 9.02 billion trips, a state planning official announced on Thursday.
For the first time, China has extended its official Lunar New Year holiday to nine days, running from February 15 to February 23, as part of efforts to stimulate domestic consumption and support the country’s services-led economic growth strategy.
The Spring Festival travel rush, known as Chunyun, is a key indicator of China’s economic vitality and a major test of the country’s extensive transportation network. This year’s travel period is expected to see railway passenger trips reach 540 million, while aviation trips are projected to hit 95 million, both likely exceeding historical peaks for the period.
Authorities plan to strengthen transportation capacity on heavily trafficked routes and in popular tourist regions to accommodate the surge in travel. Measures include adding trains, flights, and support services to ensure smooth travel for millions of citizens returning to their hometowns or taking leisure trips.
The travel boom comes as part of a broader national strategy to boost domestic demand and consumption, with travel and tourism identified as key sectors for economic expansion. Analysts note that a successful, smooth-running Lunar New Year travel season can significantly bolster retail, hospitality, and transport industries while reflecting consumer confidence in the domestic economy.
Officials have urged travelers to plan and follow safety protocols, emphasizing coordination across railway, aviation, and road networks.
With China’s extended holiday and the ongoing push for domestic economic activity, this Lunar New Year is expected to be not only the busiest in history for travel but also a strong catalyst for consumption-driven growth.
