As China gears up for the world's largest annual human migration during the Spring Festival travel rush, the transportation sector has taken targeted measures to ensure a safe and smooth journey amidst cold weather conditions for hundreds of millions of people returning home for the Chinese New Year celebrations.
The travel rush, known as "chunyun" in Chinese, is China's biggest annual human migration. It coincides with China's biggest traditional celebration, the Spring Festival which falls on Jan. 29 this year.
Starting Friday, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has experienced a powerful cold front, bringing significant temperature drops along with rain, snow, and strong winds. In response, local authorities initiated a level-III emergency response for severe weather and issued yellow warnings for blizzards, cold waves, and icy roads.
Measures have been implemented across the region to ensure safe travel and protect agricultural production. Local authorities have intensified efforts to clear snow and ice from roads, railways, and other transportation hubs to ensure safe travel.
Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia, has mobilized over 500 snow-clearing vehicles and more than 10,000 personnel to ensure public safety during this busy travel period.
Some highways have temporarily closed due to the snow, leading to an increased influx of passengers at railway stations. The Hohhot Railway Bureau has adjusted its train schedules to accommodate this surge, adding over 20,000 seats to daily services. In northwest China's Shaanxi Province, snow began on Thursday, disrupting pre-holiday travel. Local authorities have deployed heavy machinery to clear snow and apply melting agents in affected areas, ensuring road safety for travelers.
In the provincial capital, Xi'an, snow removal teams and equipment are working around the clock to clear roads and apply de-icing agents.
Northwest China's Gansu Province has also faced widespread snow starting Friday, prompting railway authorities to optimize train schedules and deploy personnel for snow and ice removal to minimize disruptions. The Lanzhou Railway Bureau in the provincial capital Lanzhou reported that 280,000 passengers were transported on Friday, with 300,000 expected on Saturday.
Additional trains have been added to key routes across Gansu to meet the increased demand, including 14 extra trains between the Lanzhou West Railway Station and the Lanzhou Zhongchuan Int'l Airport on Saturday alone.
In key areas such as tracks, bridges, and tunnels, railway equipment management departments in Gansu have intensified inspections and maintenance to ensure that all facilities are in good condition.
Additionally, personnel and machinery are organized around the clock to clear snow and ice, minimizing the adverse effects of accumulated snow and ice on transportation.
In Xining, capital city of northwest China's Qinghai Province, snow began falling on Friday, challenging transportation efforts.
The local railway department activated an emergency plan to ensure heating in waiting areas and provide ticketing services, while also conducting inspections on tracks and facilities to maintain safe operations.
So far, trains departing from Xining have not experienced delays, although some arriving trains have been affected.
Beyond the rail network, the Spring Festival travel rush has also prompted the deployment of nearly 2,000 armed police officers nationwide to maintain order and ensure passenger safety at major transportation hubs. The Beijing West Railway Station, one of the busiest in Beijing, has increased 56 trains to manage the high volume of travelers. Officers have set up multiple posts to assist over 200,000 passengers to date.
"We are particularly focused on the impact of recent rain and snow on railway travel. In response, we have developed plans to manage large passenger flows, prevent congestion, and address potential crowding issues. During the brief periods when trains are not in operation at night, we conduct on-site assessments and drills to ensure that all travelers can travel safely and comfortably," said Cheng Xiaodan, a member of Beijing Armed Police Corps.
In Zhengzhou City, a key transportation hub in central China, the Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport has seen a continuous rise in passenger traffic. Armed police have adjusted their operations to enhance security and streamline communication with local law enforcement for real-time updates on crowd and traffic conditions. In east China's Hangzhou City, the Hangzhou East Railway Station has also reported a steady increase in passenger numbers. To manage the crowds, police officers have combined stationary and patrol strategies to maintain order and provide assistance, including basic medical supplies for travelers. In south China's Guangdong Province, a major destination for migrant workers, the Guangzhou South Railway Station is preparing to handle the peak travel season by opening additional security and ticket verification channels to ensure efficient flow and safety for leaving travelers.
Targeted measures taken to ensure smooth Spring Festival travel amid cold weather
