Record-Breaking Travel Surge for China's Spring Festival Celebrations

China's Spring Festival: A Journey Home

As dawn breaks on January 25, 2025, at the North Railway Station in Shenzhen, Wang Hui, a woman traveling with her family, eagerly awaits her early morning ride. At 5:30 AM, she is filled with excitement and a sense of nostalgia as she prepares to board the first high-speed train bound for Xi'an, a city that holds her roots. Despite being a long-time resident of Shenzhen, Wang expresses a longing for her hometown, especially during the Spring Festival, which represents a time for reconnection with family.

"I've lived in Shenzhen since my university days, and now I have my own family, but every year as the Spring Festival approaches, I'm drawn back home," Wang shares, her smile radiating warmth despite the early hour.

This emotional pull is shared by many as the Spring Festival, also known as Chunyun, marks the largest annual human migration in the world. Millions across China begin their journeys to reunite with family during this deeply significant holiday that lasts from January 14 to February 22, 2025.

According to transportation authorities, this year's travel wave is projected to see an unprecedented nine billion interregional trips across the country, with over one billion trips completed by mid-January. Major metropolitan areas such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing are major hubs for travelers, with popular destinations like Harbin, Chongqing, and Chengdu being favored by many returning home.

The Cultural Significance Behind the Journey

For millions, the Spring Festival embodies more than family gatherings. It is a heartfelt return to cultural roots and traditions that define the celebration. Alongside their physical journeys, people participate in a cultural movement that aims to celebrate and preserve China’s rich heritage.

Integral to the Spring Festival festivities are several traditions, including the purchase of festive goods, hanging spring couplets, distributing red envelopes (Hongbao), and igniting firecrackers. Families also enjoy watching the annual Spring Festival Gala (Chunwan), which has been broadcast since 1983. This four-and-a-half-hour TV program has become a highlight of the celebrations, showcasing performances ranging from singing and dancing to opera and acrobatics. This year's gala incorporates additional elements from China’s intangible cultural heritage.

Beyond the gala, aspects of intangible cultural heritage are being revived throughout the celebrations. Guo, an operator of a local cultural store in Chongqing, notes a surge in demand for traditional crafts like paper-cutting and shadow puppetry. "More and more people are seeking unique, handmade gifts that reflect our heritage," he comments.

The tourism sector focusing on intangible cultural heritage is also experiencing a boom. Whether learning traditional paper-cutting in Zhejiang Province or celebrating the Lantern Festival in Zigong, visitors flock to destinations offering immersive cultural experiences.

Data from Meituan Travel, a leading online service platform, reveals a fivefold increase in search queries for experiences related to intangible cultural heritage, such as the famous fiery hotpot feast in Guiyang and the Lantern Festival in Zigong compared to previous years.

This year's Chunyun showcases not just an influx of travelers, but also a heightened interest in cultural consumption. This uptick is set to invigorate the tourism market and propel the country’s economy forward.

In the heart of the celebration lies a timeless truth: the Spring Festival is not merely a celebration; it is a journey home filled with love, tradition, and cultural heritage that binds family and community together.

For more information on the Spring Festival and cultural celebrations in China, visit CGTN News.