China’s annual Spring Festival travel rush, the world’s largest annual human migration, has officially launched, with cross-regional passenger trips exceeding 200 million in the initial phase, according to data from the Ministry of Transport.
The surge in travel reflects a strong rebound in consumer confidence and economic vitality, as both civil aviation and high-speed rail have set new records for passenger share. This year’s travel rush is marked by a dual boost of tourism and homebound migration, driving significant growth in transportation and offline consumption sectors.
Industry analysts note that the record-breaking passenger numbers are underpinned by China’s expanding high-speed rail network and improved civil aviation capacity, which have made long-distance travel more accessible and efficient. The combination of family reunions and leisure travel has created a “double engine” for consumption, with spending on transportation, catering, accommodation, and retail seeing notable increases across the country.
Tourism destinations across China are reporting a sharp uptick in visitor numbers, with popular spots like Hainan’s coastal resorts, Yunnan’s ethnic minority towns, and historical cities such as Xi’an and Beijing experiencing peak occupancy rates. Meanwhile, railway and aviation authorities have increased the frequency of services to meet demand, with high-speed rail lines operating at near-full capacity during peak travel periods.
The travel boom is also spilling over into related industries: Car rental services have seen a 40% year-on-year increase in bookings, while online food delivery platforms in major travel hubs are reporting a 30% rise in order volumes. Retailers in train stations and airports are also benefiting, with sales of local specialties and travel essentials surging as travelers stock up for their journeys.
As the Spring Festival approaches, the travel rush is expected to maintain its momentum, with authorities ramping up efforts to ensure safe and smooth operations. The robust travel data not only underscores the resilience of China’s consumer market but also signals positive prospects for the country’s economic growth in the post-pandemic era. Economists predict that the consumption spree during the travel rush will contribute significantly to first-quarter GDP growth, reinforcing China’s position as a key driver of global economic recovery.