China is anticipating a massive surge in travel as over 250 million inter-regional trips are expected to be made on Thursday, the 10th day of the Spring Festival travel rush, known as Chunyun. Transportation authorities estimate that the number of trips on that day will reach approximately 256 million.
The expected travel includes 13.2 million passenger trips by rail, 240 million by highway, 680,000 by waterway, and 2.38 million by air. This significant movement of people highlights the importance of family reunions during the festive season.
Recent data indicates that the previous day saw over 233 million inter-regional trips, marking a 1.4% increase from the day before and a 14.9% rise compared to the same period last year.
The Spring Festival travel rush is a remarkable annual event when millions journey back to their hometowns to celebrate Lunar New Year with loved ones. The Chunyun period spans 40 days and is considered the world’s largest human migration.
This year’s travel rush is particularly special, following UNESCO’s inscription of the Spring Festival on its intangible cultural heritage list. The recognition underscores the global cultural significance of the festival and adds extra meaning to the celebrations.
Transportation services across the country are working diligently to accommodate the surge in passengers, implementing measures to ensure safety and efficiency. The increase in travel reflects not only the cultural importance of the festival but also the growing mobility of the population.
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Over 250m trips expected on Day 10 of Spring Festival travel rush
cgtn.com
