#China #Culture #Shenzhen #Spring Festival #Chunyun

A Journey Through China’s Spring Festival 2025

The Spring Festival, a time of family reunions and cultural celebrations, has witnessed an unprecedented surge in travel this year. Starting January 14 and running until February 22, the travel rush known as chunyun sees millions of people journeying back to their hometowns, marking it as the most significant holiday period in China.

At 5:30 a.m., amidst the bustling atmosphere of Shenzhen North Railway Station, passengers eagerly await the departure of high-speed trains. For many, like Wang Hui, waiting with her family to board the first train to Xi'an, the Spring Festival is more than just a holiday; it represents a deep connection to home.

Wang, who has lived in Shenzhen for years, expressed her yearning for her hometown, especially during this festive season. Despite her established life in Shenzhen, she feels the irresistible call of home as the Spring Festival approaches. Similarly, Zhong, a traveler headed to Chenzhou, echoed the sentiment of homesickness that intensifies during this time, explaining how the festival is all about being with family and upholding cherished traditions.

This year, Chinese authorities anticipated a staggering nine billion inter-regional trips during chunyun, a record high reflecting the strong desire for familial connections. By January 19, the numbers already surpassed a billion trips, highlighting the sheer scale of this annual migration.

Travel trends reveal that many travelers are departing from major cities like Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing, all of which are popular starting points for these significant journeys. In addition to the familial aspect, the Spring Festival also serves as a profound cultural touchstone. Travelers engage not only in physical journeys to their hometowns but also partake in a collective movement to celebrate and preserve China's rich cultural heritage.

The festivities are rich with traditions, from shopping for festival goods and writing the auspicious couplets to giving red envelopes and lighting fireworks. Among the many customs, the Spring Festival Gala, or chunwan, plays a pivotal role. Broadcasting annually since 1983, this spectacular show showcases an array of traditional performances such as singing, dancing, and acrobatics, which engage millions of viewers and highlight the festive spirit.

This year’s gala holds special significance as it is the first following the formal recognition of the Spring Festival by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The performance integrates more elements of traditional culture, making it a true celebration of heritage.

As people continue to celebrate, the trend of embracing intangible cultural heritage blossoms. In Chongqing, for instance, local shops have reported a spike in the sales of traditional crafts such as paper-cutting and shadow puppetry, driven by a growing interest in unique, handmade gifts. One shop owner noted, "More people are seeking unique, handmade gifts that reflect our heritage," signaling a shift towards valuing cultural items.

Additionally, the demand for cultural tourism has surged, with regions known for their intangible cultural heritage experiences witnessing a boost in visitors. Travelers are flocking to engage in activities like learning traditional crafts or participating in spectacular local festivals such as the Lantern Festival in Zigong City. Data from Meituan Travel indicates that interest in such cultural experiences has dramatically increased, with search queries for activities like the huohu performance witnessing exponential growth.

As record numbers of travelers set out this Spring Festival, the blending of seasonal reunions with the celebration of cultural identity not only enhances personal connections but also invigorates China’s tourism landscape and economy. This year is more than just a journey; it is a remarkable cultural feast that underscores the importance of family, tradition, and heritage in contemporary Chinese society.