01 Feb 2018 | 10:49 PM UTC
China: New Year holiday season February 1 - March 12
Annual New Year travel rush February 1 – March 12, 2018; expect crowded conditions at all transportation hubs
Event
China will experience its annual travel rush associated with the New Year holiday season beginning on Thursday, February 1. The 40-day travel frenzy from February 1 through March 12 is known as "Chunyun," the hectic period surrounding Chinese lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on February 16 this year. A record 3 billion trips are expected during "Chunyun" this year.
Context
Chinese New Year constitutes China's most important family holiday, with residents typically heading for their hometowns to reunite with relatives and friends, putting a huge stress on the transportation system. More passenger trains will be added during the period to deal with the extra numbers and ticket purchase procedures will be simplified.
Advice
Individuals present in China during this holiday season are advised to anticipate large crowds at transportation hubs (airports, railway stations) and major traffic congestion on highways.
