China’s Lunar New Year Sparks World’s Largest Annual Travel Migration
China’s Lunar New Year festivities trigger the largest annual migration across the globe. Each year, hundreds of millions of individuals travel to reunite with family or explore new destinations. This massive movement is often referred to as the “Chunyun,” a key indicator of the nation’s economic pulse and a test of its extensive transportation network.
Travel Rush Details
This year’s Lunar New Year travel rush began on February 2 and is set to last 40 days. Key holiday dates for the Spring Festival are from February 15 to February 23.
Record Number of Trips
- Officials project a record 9.5 billion domestic trips this year.
- This is an increase from approximately 9.02 billion journeys last year.
- The updated travel statistics now include road trips on major expressways.
Transportation Statistics
By February 10, over 1.01 billion passengers had utilized China’s railways since the travel rush commenced. Additionally, air travel reports indicated 16.32 million flights in the first week alone, with an expected total of 95 million for the entire rush.
Popular Destinations
Travel agencies report a rise in international trips this year, coinciding with an extension of the holiday period to nine days. Traditional domestic favorites include:
- The tropical island province of Hainan
- The winter sports hub of Changbai Mountain
On the international scene, destinations like Thailand and Australia are gaining popularity. Furthermore, Russia has emerged as a new option following the easing of visa requirements for Chinese travelers in December 2025. However, interest in Japan has significantly declined due to strained diplomatic relations.
Notable Changes in 2026
- The official Spring Festival break has been extended by one day.
- Visa-free entry has been expanded to over 45 countries, including various European nations.
- Visitors from Australia and New Zealand may stay up to 30 days without a visa.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, these significant trends underline the importance of travel during this time, both domestically and internationally. Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor developments in travel, showcasing the cultural and economic implications of this poignant observance.
