China's annual Lunar New Year travel rush, the world's largest, is underway. Millions of people are traveling across the country, with the peak expected over the weekend. Travelers are using a variety of transportation options, including cars, trains, and planes. The holiday marks the start of the Year of the Snake in the 12-month lunar calendar.
Travelers surged towards the departure hall at Beijing West Railway Station on Friday, January 24, 2025, eager to catch their trains and embark on journeys for the Lunar New Year . This marked the beginning of a global travel frenzy, with billions of trips anticipated in the coming days. China's annual mass migration, the world's largest, is in full swing, with billions of trips expected over the next 40 days, reaching its peak over the weekend.
The actual new year holiday, signifying the start of the Year of the Snake in the 12-month lunar calendar, falls on Wednesday. New Year's Eve on Tuesday is traditionally dedicated to family gatherings and grand firework displays.Millions of people have already begun their journeys since January 14th, with transportation options dominated by cars, accounting for 9 billion trips over the 40-day period. Train travel is expected to exceed 510 million trips, while another 90 million people will opt for air travel. While the government hasn't released comparisons to other periods during the year, travel conditions are significantly more comfortable than in the past. Travelers no longer face the ordeal of cramming into crowded train cars for days-long journeys, often struggling to secure tickets. Nowadays, tickets are primarily sold online, streamlining the process.Traditionally, the Lunar New Year has been a time for families to reunite, with members of China's vast migrant worker population utilizing their entire vacation time for the annual pilgrimage. This journey often provides the only opportunity for many to see their parents and children. However, in recent years, rising prosperity and a decline in traditional family customs have prompted some with financial means to travel abroad, primarily to Southeast Asia, but also to Japan and South Korea. Cross-border trips are projected to increase by nearly 10%, including foreign tourists who are willing to brave the crowds to witness the spectacle. The government has allocated eight public holiday days from January 28th to February 4th.Although fireworks have been largely banned under President Xi Jinping, traditional events like temple markets adorned in vibrant red hues continue to attract millions of visitors.
Lunar New Year China Travel Migration Transportation Holidays Year Of The Snake
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China’s Lunar New Year travel rush kicks into high gear with nine billion trips expectedMany people began travelling for the holiday on Jan. 14, mostly by car, and the rush will reach a peak over the weekend
Read more »
Indian Gold Demand Slackens as Chinese Premiums Rise Ahead of Lunar New YearGold discounts in India remained stable this week due to high prices, while Chinese dealers saw increased premiums in anticipation of stronger demand during the Chinese New Year.
Read more »
Toronto to Host First-Ever Lunar New Year Fireworks Celebration at City HallToronto is ushering in the Year of the Snake with a groundbreaking Lunar New Year celebration, featuring the first-ever Chinese New Year fireworks display at City Hall. This free, family-friendly event will offer a vibrant blend of traditions and festivities, including ice skating performances, lion dances, live music, food trucks, and a marketplace.
Read more »
Metropolis at Metrotown Celebrates Lunar New Year with FestivitiesMetropolis at Metrotown mall is hosting a series of Lunar New Year celebrations, including a lion dance workshop, a chef series showcasing Asian cuisine, and educational collaborations with the Chinese Canadian Museum. Events include lion dances, a dumpling eating contest, chef demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.
Read more »
Where to Find Lunar New Year Dinners and Specials in Vancouver 2025All of the top Lunar New Year eats Vancouver has to offer.
Read more »
New Year's Eve Round Dance to bring in a sober and healing yearL-R Fawn Meshake and Bess Legarde are organizers of the New Year's Eve round dance on Fort William First Nation.
Read more »