Lunar New Year in China: 9 billion dreams on the move!

Highlights

9 billion trips expected during the Lunar New Year period.

Travel spans 40 days and represents the largest annual human migration in the world.

New Year’s Eve reserved for family reunions and fireworks.

More than 510 million train trips and 90 million flights expected.

Travel comfort has increased thanks to easier access to online tickets.

Families, especially migrant workers, take this time to come together.

A rise in overseas travel to Southeast Asia and other destinations.

Public holidays granted from January 28 to February 4.

Traditional events like temple fairs continue to attract many visitors.

A Colossal Migration for the Lunar New Year #

Every year in China, the period of Lunar New Year triggers a real frenzy of movement. With 9 billion trips expected during this annual migration, the nation witnesses one of the largest population movements in the world. This tradition, deeply rooted in Chinese culture, prompts millions of families to gather, restoring the meaning of family ties.

The Timing and Intensity of the Rush #

The New Year 2025 is celebrated from January 29, with a festive period starting well before. Many travelers began to flock as early as January 14, while the peak of migration is expected during the New Year weekend. The 40-day period dedicated to this travel is now symbolic of family reunions.

The Comfort of Modern Travel

Travel conditions have significantly improved. Passengers benefit from increased comfort, far from the overcrowded buses and trains of the past. This allows for less taxing journeys. Tickets are mainly found online, thus facilitating travel arrangements, favored by a growing number of Chinese.

Family Traditions and Sociocultural Evolutions #

The celebration of the Lunar New Year has always been a special time for reunions between parents and children. Many migrant workers devote all of their time off to this annual return, often a unique experience to reconnect with their loved ones. The recent economic boom, however, has altered certain behaviors, encouraging overseas travel, particularly to Southeast Asia.

The International Tourist Flow #

The current context also shows an increase in cross-border travel, projected to be nearly 10% this year. International tourists, eager to witness the celebrations, are also flocking to China. This confluence of interests propels China into a global network of festivities.

Traditional Festivals in a New Light

The New Year festivities showcase a rich cultural amalgam. Despite restrictions on fireworks and gatherings, traditional events thrive, attracting millions of visitors. The bustling altar markets, adorned with bright red symbolizing luck, continue to draw crowds’ attention.

Geopolitics and Impact on Tourism #

The Chinese government’s commitment to encouraging mobility is not without impact. Modern infrastructure projects are multiplying, thereby enhancing accessibility. Future projects include the expansion of the rail network and the development of airports to meet the growing demand from foreign travelers.

Evolving Tourism Paradise #

Concerns about ancestral traditions sometimes clash with aspirations for modernity. The search for unique tourist experiences, such as the most Instagrammable destinations or the secrets of South Korea, illustrates this new paradigm. Openness to the world enhances not only the experience but also transforms its perception.

Emergence of New Tourist Trends #

As Chinese travelers turn to new horizons, some Asian countries, such as Japan and South Korea, are becoming increasingly popular destinations. This creates a significant impact on the tourism sector, especially during festive periods. Sociocultural changes provide a dynamic to the evolution of tourist preferences.

Explorations of unusual places in deserts and desert destinations are gradually gaining traction, revealing the diversity of modern travelers’ interests.