China's 2026 Spring Festival travel rush, the world's largest annual migration, got underway Monday, with passenger volumes expected to reach new highs.
Passenger flows were already climbing on day one, as millions set out with luggage and festive expectations to join family gatherings.
"There are already quite a lot of people at the station, and many carrying luggage and heading home," said one traveler.
For many, the journey is an emotional return to long-held traditions.
"I'm going to set off fireworks, light those firecrackers we played with as kids, then cook New Year's Eve dinner and share home-cooked meals with the family," said another traveler.
"I feel really happy going back home. I get to see my parents, relatives, and siblings. It's a big family reunion," one passenger said.
As one of the country's major transport hubs, Beijing South Railway Station is bracing for a busy travel season.
"We expect to send around 5.7 million passengers in total, with daily departures averaging over 140,000," said Zhao Shanshan, director of the Passenger Operations Department at Beijing South Railway Station.
Officials say nationwide cross-regional trips, along with railway and civil aviation passenger volumes, are projected to hit record highs during this year's travel rush. From conventional trains to high-speed rail, China's railway network continues to play a central role, boosting capacity and services to support the massive homebound flow.
It is estimated that this year's travel rush could be the largest in history. To support the influx, more than 14,000 passenger trains are expected to operate daily on peak travel days, ensuring that millions of citizens can reach their destinations safely for the holiday.
Spring Festival travel rush kicks off across China
