Beijing is gearing up for one of the world’s largest annual migrations as the Spring Festival travel season hits full stride. China’s Ministry of Transport reports that inter-regional passenger flow is projected to exceed 210 million on February 17 alone, marking a steady surge since the season kicked off.
To ensure smooth and safe journeys amid this massive influx, authorities have rolled out comprehensive measures across rail, road, and air networks. Railways are at the forefront, expecting to carry nearly 6.1 million passengers on 281 special trains. Tourism-focused services, including dedicated tourist trains, are catering to local holiday demands. Notably, 22 new rail lines like the Xiangqin, Baoyin, and Xi’an high-speed routes, plus over 50 new stations, are debuting in this year’s festivities, significantly boosting capacity.
Major stations have deployed intelligent security scanners to handle crowds efficiently. At Beijing Railway Station, bag checks now take just 2 seconds per item, down from 6, slashing wait times dramatically. Special ‘point-to-point’ escort services are available for vulnerable groups like the elderly and children, providing door-to-door assistance within stations.
On roads, vehicle traffic spiked on February 17, with new energy vehicles leading the charge. Daily flows of electric and hybrid cars are forecasted to average 12 million during the holiday, comprising 22% of total traffic. Charging infrastructure upgrades aim to prevent long queues, ensuring EV drivers face minimal disruptions.
Air travel is soaring too, with civil aviation set to transport around 2.23 million passengers nationwide. Popular tourist routes are buzzing, and new airports like Guangzhou Baiyun and Sanya Phoenix, along with fresh terminals, are joining for the first time. Automated check-in, baggage handling, and security systems are streamlining operations, making air travel more efficient than ever.
These proactive steps underscore China’s commitment to managing the Spring Festival exodus—a cultural phenomenon blending family reunions with tourism—without compromising safety or convenience. As numbers climb, the transport sector’s innovations promise a seamless holiday rush.