China witnessed a remarkable surge in travel as over 304 million inter-regional passenger trips were made across the country on Friday, marking the fourth day of this year’s Spring Festival holiday. This is the first time during the annual travel rush, known as chunyun, that daily trips have exceeded 300 million, according to official data released on Saturday.
The Spring Festival, which fell on January 29 this year, is China’s most celebrated holiday, traditionally marked by family reunions and widespread travel. The massive movement of people serves as a significant boost for tourism and the economy.
Trips by road saw a 6.9% increase year-on-year, reaching 288.44 million. Journeys by rail and air also experienced growth, rising by 5.3% and 3.6%, respectively. A special work team established to facilitate smooth operations during chunyun reported these statistics, highlighting the efficiency of China’s transportation infrastructure.
Looking ahead, a record-breaking 9 billion trips are expected to be made during chunyun in 2025. This annual travel surge runs from January 14 to February 22, encompassing the weeks before and after the Spring Festival.
Road trips, including many in new energy vehicles (NEVs), are expected to account for about 80% of all inter-regional trips. The availability of various charging options on China’s highways has made it easier than ever for NEVs to hit the road, contributing to a greener travel experience.
To meet the growing passenger demands, railway authorities across various regions have increased capacity on popular travel routes and enhanced station and train services. China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. emphasized their commitment to providing better services during chunyun.
